India thrash NZ, win Azlan Shah bronze

:The Indian men’s hockey team clinched the bronze medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after a comfortable 4-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday.

Rupinder Pal Singh scored a brace to give India a 2-0 lead in the first half, before goals from SV Sunil and Talwinder Singh wrapped up the victory.

India made a bright start to the match, creating a number of opportunities in the first quarter but failed to convert the two penalty corners they were awarded.

In the second quarter. Akashdeep Singh was quick to win India their third penalty corner with some good dribbling skills in the circle.

Rupinder Pal Singh ensured this chance didn’t go to waste with a well-timed flick sending it low on the right to beat New Zealand goalkeeper Richard Joyce and give India a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute.

Joyce then saved another Rupinder flick but the umpire awarded India a penalty corner due to dangerous play. This time Rupinder sent the ball low on the right to make it 2-0 in the 27th minute.

India scored their third goal in the 48th minute when Mandeep Singh set up Sunil with a brilliant square pass. Sunil beat defender Cory Bennett to convert a sensational goal to take India’s lead to 3-0.

Manpreet Singh was involved in winning India their fourth goal when he made a baseline pass to Talwinder Singh who was spot on with his strike taking India’ tally to a comprehensive 4-0, sealing the bronze medal for his side. Britain won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title after a gap of 23 years with a rousing 4 -3 victory in the final against defending champions Australia here.