Ipoh (Malaysia): India warded off a spirited second half resurgence by Belgium to script a 6-4 victory and keep themselves afloat in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament here today.

The Indians opened up a flattering 5-1 lead by the half time but their opponents fought back brilliantly to score three goals in the second session. But the young Indians managed to hold on their lead to record their second successive win in the seven-nation tournament.

Shivendra Singh and Sandeep Singh rammed in two goals while SV Sunil and Diwakar Ram chipped in with a goal each in the fast paced contest which saw India frittering away a few scoring opportunities.

Alexender de Sadeleere, Jerome Trueyns, Thomas Briels and Charles Vandewgheles were the scorers for Belgium who very nearly caught up with the Indians in the second session.

India have now garnered six points from four matches and have shown signs of an improvement after losing their first two matches against New Zealand and Argentina.

The team, mainly comprising of juniors, started off with a flourish by scoring as many as five goals in the opening session, but seemed to lose their rhythm after the interval with the forward line failing to break through the rival defence.

Belgium dominated the initial minutes before India scored its first goal through Shivendra Singh in the ninth minute.

In the 22nd minute, young drag-flicker Diwakar Ram netted the second goal.

But, two minutes later de Sadeleere reduced the margin for Belgium by scoring from a penalty corner.

Sandeep was introduced in the place of Innocent Kullu after Belgium converted its first penalty corner and the experienced drag-flicker struck two valuable goals.

Struggling winger Sarwanjit Singh, who missed a sitter in the 12th minute, was replaced first with SV Sunil and then Mandeep Antil and this move helped India pick up momentum.

India extended the lead when Diwakar's senior pro Sandeep beat Belgian goalkeeper in 29th minute to make it 3-1.

In the 32nd minute, an unmarked S V Sunil dodged pass the opponent defenders and scored the fourth one for India from a well-organised move from the right flank.

Just before the half-time, Sandeep banked on another penalty corner to help India go into the break with a big lead.
 
Belgium dominated the proceedings in a large way in the second half and pumped in as many as three goals through True (45th), Briels (59th) and Vandewegheles (61st) to rattle the Indian camp.

However, Shivendra completed his brace in the 67th minute to brought cheers for his side.

Source : PTI