New Delhi: Skipper Rohit led by example with two crucial goals as India junior men’s hockey team thrashed Great Britain 3-2 to open Sultan of Johor Cup campaign in style on Saturday. Rohit scored in the 45th and the 52nd minute of the game with Ravneet Singh opening the goal-scoring in the 23rd minute for the Indian team.

For Great Britain, Michael Royden scored the first goal in 26th minute while Kaden Draysey scored a goal in the 46th minute to make it two for the side. The opening quarter witnessed both the sides engage in an entertaining hockey game but neither team was able to break the deadlock.

India receive first penalty in 13th minute

It was in the 13th minute that India received their first penalty corner of the day but they were stopped by the Great Britain rushers. The Indian team showcased a great attacking intent with multiple circle entries and good attempts on goal but Great Britain too proved to be quite resilient in their defending.

India received another penalty corner in the 16th minute but the Great Britain goalkeeper protected his goal by making two back-to-back saves. India again tried to make a chance by scoring a goal in the 22nd minute but Manmeet Singh’s shot on goal was met with a goalline clearance by Great Britain brilliant defence.

Just a minute later, Indian found their first goal with Ravneet putting the ball inside the net in style. In the next three minutes, Great Britain equalized by scoring a goal in the 26th minute with Royden slotting the ball in the top left corner.

In the next two quarters, India went on to score two goals while Great Britain could only score a single one. India will next face New Zealand on Sunday.

(With PTI inputs)