Hockey news exclusive: India coach confident of good show in Asian Games

There could not have been better preparations for the Indian Men's Hockey Team ahead of the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta than playing against New Zealand in a three-match Series at the Sports Authority of India in Bengaluru. The Indian team thrashed the World No nine 4-0 in the third and final match of the three-match series. In the third match, Rupinder Pal Singh, Surender Kumar, Mandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh scored for India while the team's defence ensured a clean sheet denying the visitors any scoring opportunities. In the first quarter, India took a 1-0 lead after Rupinder scored off the team's second Penalty Corner. Brilliant stick work by Surender Kumar and a clever assist by Rupinder from the top of the striking circle earned India their second goal of the match in the 15th minute. India's third goal came in the 44th minute through Mandeep Singh while Akashdeep Singh scored in the 60th minute to make it 4-0. As the home team wrapped up the much-needed practice matches before Asian Games, with their third consecutive victory, Chief Coach Harendra Singh expressed satisfaction with his team's performance.