Tokyo (Japan), Aug 18:
Indian men’s hockey team squandered an early lead to go down fighting 1-2 to New Zealand in their second match of the Olympic Test event here on Sunday.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh put India ahead in the second minute by converting a Penalty Corner, but New Zealand struck back in the last quarter through two well-crafted field goals — Jacob Smith (47′) and Sam Lane (60′) to have the last laugh.
India had made an impressive start to the tournament, thrashing Malaysia 6-0 in their opening match but the second-match defeat means they are currently sitting at the second spot in the points table with one match to go.
India will face hosts Japan on Tuesday.
World No. 5 India started the match with an aggressive approach and dominated possession in the opening few minutes at the Oi Hockey Stadium.(Agenices)
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