Men’s hockey series: Affan Yousuf helps India edge past Australia

New Delhi: Striker Affan Yousuf hit a double to guide India to a 3-2 win over world champions Australia in the opening game of the two-match men’s hockey series, in Victoria on Tuesday.

Affan scored two field goals (19th minute) in quick succession, while skipper and drag-flicker V.R. Raghunath netted the winner for India in the 44th minute.

The hosts’ goals came from Matthew Willis (36th) and Trent Mitton (43rd). India were quick off the blocks and controlled the proceedings early on. But despite several circle penetrations, the teams failed to break the deadlock in the first quarter.

Affan opened the scoring in the 19th minute and doubled his tally with another field strike in the very next move as India went into half time firmly in control. In the second half hosts were precise and drew level via goals from Willis and Mitton.

India regained the lead a minute later from a penalty corner, which was dully converted by Raghunath to clinch the opening tie. The second and final match will be played on Wednesday.

FIH withdraws Pak from Junior World Cup
Malaysia are set to replace Pakistan in the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup in Lucknow, after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that Pakistan were yet to get their visas and had missed the November 17 deadline.

John named high performance director
Former exercise physiologist of the senior men’s team David John of Australia was on Tuesday appointed as the high performance director of Indian hockey.

John will take over the charge from Roelant Oltmans, who has been relieved from the post after being named as the chief coach of the men’s team till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.