India clinch bronze in Azlan Shah hockey

Ipoh, April 12: India defeated South Korea 4-1 (6-3) on pelties to win the bronze medal in the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tourment here on Sunday.

The bronze-medal playoff match ended 2-2 after regulation time at the Azlan Shah Stadium. Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was India's hero effecting three saves in the pelty shoot-out. For India, Akashdeep Singh, Sardar Singh, Rupinderpal Singh and Birender Lakra scored in the shootout.

Striker Nikkin Thimmaiah, scorer of a fine hat-trick against Australia on Saturday, gave India the lead in the 10th minute.

But attacker Hyosik You converted a pelty corner to level the scores nine minutes later. India again surged ahead in the 22nd minute through forward Satbir Singh in the 22nd minute. But forward Hyunwoo m (28th) equalised again to stretch the match into pelties.

India stunned reigning world hockey champions Australia 4-2 on Saturday. They lost to lower-ranked Malaysia and New Zealand, while edging past minnows Cada 5-3 and playing a 2-2 draw against South Korea to qualify for the bronze-medal play-off. IANS