India record 4-1 victory over Ireland to finish fifth, Australia champions

IPOH: India defeated Ireland 4-1 to finish a disappointing fifth at the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on Saturday. The win enabled India avenge their 2-3 loss against the same opponents in the last round-robin match on Friday.

Varun Kumar (5’, 32’) scored a brace, while Shilanand Lakra (28’) and Gurjant Singh (37’) found the net once.

Ireland’s goal came from the stick of Julian Dale in the 48th minute.

India began strongly and earned back-to-back penalty corners in the fifth minute. Though the first attempt was saved, Varun sounded the board from the second chance to hand his side he lead.

India continued their attacking game in the second quarter and achieved success in the 28th minute when striker Shilanand beat goalkeeper Jamie Carr from close after being fed by Nilam Sanjeep Xess’s fierce pass from the right of the circle.

Meanwhile, Australia lifted the Azlan Shah Cup with youngster Lachlan Sharp netting a last quarter goal to secure a 2-1 win over England in the final.

The result clinched Australia their 10th Azlan Shah Cup title and provides the side with the perfect preparation ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games to be held at Gold Coast in Australia.

ATHLETICS TEAM

NEWDELHI: The Athletics Federation of India on Saturday named a 31-member team (18 men, 13 women) for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

Junior world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to make his debut at the CWG. Neeraj recently won gold at the Federation Cup with an effort of 85.94m, which is the second best effort of his career. India had been offered a quota of 37 in athletics but the AFI chose 31.