Pakistan claims bronze-medal in first nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series
The Pakistan’s hockey team outplayed traditional arch-rival, India, securing a bronze medal in the first edition of the nine-a-side Lanco International Super Series, held at the Perth Hockey Stadium, in Australia, on October 23.
Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and India contested the maiden version of the innovative nine-a-side hockey event, acquiring the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions, respectively.
Manager of the Green-shirts, Khawaja Junaid, was quite optimistic over the outcome of the experimental tournament.
He stated, “It was a productive assignment. We can count many positives from the tournament, which will help us in future assignments. The team played a few pressure games including the one against Australia and that will help the young players”.
Applauding the role of Pakistan’s defenders, the manager stated that they displayed a considerably improved game in the fast-paced version of hockey.
The Green-shirts conceded only six goals in the four-matches, which was quite a low-number scoring in the event.
Junaid also praised the role of the custodian, saying, “Our goal-keeper did very well under the circumstances and that’s a good sign”.
Bharat Chetri, skipper of the Indian side, was quite astonished at the way his players performed in the third-place play-off competition.
It is essential to mention here that the group match between Pakistan and India ended in a one-all draw earlier on.
He underlined, “We did not play our usual game. We lost our usual rhythm also. In fact, we lost the game when we missed at least three clear chances within the first five minutes. I think we lost the game when that happened”.
Although, both the teams stepped into the field with committed minds, it was India that dominated the first five minutes of play.
However, the Green-shirts not only tackled the attacks from the opposite side but also drew the first blood in the seventh minute of the match.
Pakistan hockey team skipper, Shakeel Abbasi, opened the score while his teammate, Muhammad Waqas, doubled the tally in the 12th minute of the mark.
With seconds left on the clock, Rajpal Singh scored a goal and reduced the lead down to a single goal.
The first half concluded with India trailing behind by one goal, 2-1.
The Green-shirts opened the game at a frantic pace in the second period, accomplishing back to back strikes at the Indian goal.
With two minutes into the second period, Fareed Ahmed notched another goal for Pakistan, taking the lead up to two.
In a matter of four minutes, Waqas scored his second goal of the day in the 20th minute and enhanced the advantage up to three goals.
Pakistan not only won the match by 4-1 but lifted the bronze medal in the first ever nine-a-side hockey event.
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