New Delhi: Indian men’s hockey team pumped in six goals in the final quarter to crush Indonesia 16-0 and move into the knockout stage of the Asia Cup in Jakarta on Thursday. India’s thumping victory pushed arch-rivals Pakistan out of the tournament.
Up against a daunting task, India needed to win their Pool A tie by at least a 15-0 margin to qualify for the knockouts. India and Pakistan both finished on four points apiece in Pool A but Japan already qualified for the Super 4s thanks to a better goal difference (1).
Dipsan Tirkey (5 goals) and Sudev Belimagga (3 goals) scored eight goals, while veteran SV Sunil, Pawan Rajbhar and Karthi Selvam scored a brace each. Uttam Singh and Nilam Sanjeep Xess found the target once for India.
India’s big win not also dashed Pakistan’s World Cup qualification hopes as only the top three teams in the tournament will be given tickets for the showpiece event.
