Hockey Olympic qualifiers: India men’s defeat Russia 4-2 in the first leg
The Indian men’s hockey team defeated Russia by 4-2 in the first leg of Olympic qualifiers played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar on Friday. Russia got off to a great start in the 3 rd minute but the shot was well saved by Indian goalkeeper P Sreejesh. Manpreet Singh went for a shot but finds the keeper. The Russian defenders interpreted, and Indian captain decided to review straightaway for tackle. The umpire decided to give a penalty stroke and Harmanpreet Singh makes it 1-0 in the 6 th minute. It was a good performance by both teams. At the end of first half, India led 1-0. It was a superb start for the visitors as Kuraev levelled the scores in the 17 th minute as sloppy from Rupinder Pal Singh costed India the goal. The Indian attackers made aggressive moves but could make into goals. A brilliant reverse flick shot by Mandeep Singh gave India a 2-1 lead in the 21 st minute. Just before the half time, India earned a penalty corner but failed to capitalize on the chance....