Singapore thrashed 0-10 by India in Hockey Junior World Cup

Story contributed by Elgen Kua. Photos by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.

Seng Kang Sports and Recreation Centre, Monday, June 8, 2009 – Singapore suffered a second blow as they fell to hockey powerhouse 0-10 on Day Two of the 2009 Hockey Junior World Cup.

Led by captain Diwakar (India, #5) and Danish Mujtaba (India, #12), who combined for seven goals, the double-digit defeat was the tournament's largest after two days of competition. Diwakar finished with four goals, while Mujtaba completed a hat-trick of his own. Dharamvir Singh (India, #13), Mandeep Antil (India, #11) and Vivek (India, #5) contributed one each to seal the win for India.

Mujtaba poached India's first goal after a soft clearance by Singapore keeper Brian Foo in the 5th minute. Diwakar converted two penalty corners shortly after (15th & 18th min) to make it 3-0 to India.

Singapore’s earned a penalty corner and attempted a shot at goal, but the deflection went over the bar. This was to be Singapore’s only substantial attack for the entire game.

Dharamvir Singh (India, #13) claimed the next goal (26th min) with a reverse stick hit and Diwakar bagged his third goal of the match from a penalty corner (29th min). Mandeep Antil (India, #11) followed suit to bring India to 6-0 five minutes before half time.

Singapore fought with renewed energy in the second half and held India before Vivek (India, #5) tapped the ball into the corner in the 47th min.

Mujtaba’s notched two goals in the space of 5 minutes (51st and 55th min) before Diwakar completed the rout at the 66th min with this fourth penalty corner.

Singapore’s coach Lim Chiow Chuan was visibly upset with the team’s performance. He said, “Today was a bit of a disappointment in the first half – the players played without energy, without heart. Of course fatigue played a major role and the boys were suffering physically. Recovery is very important and they have to recover physically as well as mentally to get over their losses. It’s all about playing our hearts out. The outcome has never been our priority, never been our focus – it is the process. I hope the players rise to the occasion and play their best because the game against Poland is very crucial for us.”

India’s coach A.K. Bansal on the other hand, expected his team to have notched an even greater victory. He said, “Of course it’s a good start. Our boys played according to plan, and actually I was expecting more goals. This pool is very dicey, compared to the rest. At least three teams are almost equal, and we have to motivate our boys against all the matches.”

This defeat puts Singapore at the bottom of Pool D below Poland, who also lost their second match by 2-7 against the Netherlands. The hosts will play Poland on Wednesday, 10 June.