New Delhi, February 28
Playing their hearts out, Indian hockey players could not have given the nation a bigger Holi gift than a mesmerizing 4-1 win over Pakistan to make a winning start in the 12th World Cup here tonight.

The win, their third in World Cup games against Pakistan, got the team a standing ovation from a nearly three-fourth filled Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium. And there were many in the stands who had witnessed as members of the 1982 Asian Games team had suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Pakistan. They had tears, for Rajpal Singh, and his men had taken sweet revenge on what was India’s day.

While the hero of home team’s triumph was definitely drag flicker Sandeep Singh, but to be honest none could be singled out as everyone played the game of their lives. Goalkeeper Sreejesh did a wonderful job under the bar while Sardar Singh, Sandeep Singh, Gurbaj, Vikram Pillay, Prabhjot Singh, Shivendra Singh, Deepak Thakur and skipper Rajpal Singh, for example, peaked at the right moment.

Best hockey by the home team was in the first 20 minutes. It was perhaps the best ever show by the Indian team in past two decades.

IOA president Suresh Kalmadi was on hand to announce a cash award of Rs 1 lakh to each member of the team as well as its supporting staff. And the Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, MS Gill, again proved to be lucky for India. It was after he took over that India won its first ever individual Olympic gold at Beijing. And today, he was here to watch the game.

Indian players celebrate Sandeep Singh’s second goal against Pakistan during their World Cup match at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. India won 4-1 with Sandeep scoring twice and Shivendra Singh and Prabhjot Singh netting a goal each. — Tribune photo: Manas Ranjan Bhui

If Pakistan were outplayed, it was partially because luck did not side with them. Sohail Abbas, the most dreaded drag flicker from penalty corners in contemporary hockey, had two of his powerful flicks hitting the crosspiece and bouncing back into play. He could score only once from six penalty corners. Their other star performer Rehan Butt, too, could not make any dent in the solid Indian defence where man-to-man marking was seen to be believed.

Though Pakistan had made attempts to stage a comeback in the second half after Shivendra Singh and Sandeep had given India a 2-0 lead at the breather, yet they could not do much against an inspired Indian defence.

But Prabhjot’s brilliant opportunist goal after Arjun Halappa’s attempt had been blocked by Pakistani custodian Salman Akbar had given the home team a 3-0 lead with 31 minutes of the game remaining.

And when Sandeep struck from the fifth penalty corner, the issue had been safely clinched with Pakistanis, leg weary, as they looked, could not get past Indian defence. And Sohail, too, did not help them much.

Neither in 1982, when India played host to the World Cup for the first time, nor in 1992 when Pakistan became the host, the two traditional rivals did get a chance to play each other. Though Pakistan won the title in Mumbai in 1982, they had to contend themselves with runners-up slot while playing host to the 1992 edition in Lahore.

India did not name its skipper Rajpal Singh and main goaltender Adrian D’ Souza in the starting XI. Even Deepak Thakur was also excluded.

Excitement in the stands was understandable as it was after along gap that any Pakistani national team was playing in India. Last time was the 2006 Test series. With an enthusiastic and supportive crowd at its back, the home team started on an impressive note. Dishing out immaculate hockey, Indians not only excelled in their skillful bursts, precision and perfect coordination and understanding, but also had the Pakistanis tied in a knot for the first 20 minutes.

New Delhi, February 28
European champions England hit back to stun Australia, who were the runners-up in the last two editions of the World Cup, 3-2, while Olympic Games runners-up Spain too battled back from a deficit to quell the challenge of South Africa 4-2 in the first two matches of the 12th Hero Honda FIH World Cup Hockey Championship at the National Stadium here tonight.

Australia, who were touted as the favourites for the title, should own up the blame for the defeat as despite their domination and 12 penalty corners, they ended up losers as England played with high spirits and scored when it mattered the most to put the Australians on the mat. Both Australia and England played relentless, attacking hockey but the English defence held out brilliantly not only to thwart the Australians’ penalty corner attempts, but also some of their searing field efforts as well.

Australia forged ahead after wasting four penalty corners when their captain Jamie Dwyer put a penalty stroke shot into the goal past the left of the England custodian James Fair. England, who were busy defending their citadel, mounted a counter attack, which fetched them their second penalty corner a minute after the Australian goal. Ashley Jackson put the ball in to fetch the equaliser.

Two minutes before the interval, the stocky striker James Tindall gave finishing touches to a fine move to put the Englishmen in the lead, and he consolidated it with a second goal eleven minutes into the second session, with the ball going in after hitting the post.

Three goals to the good, England kept up their attack and defence on even keel, but Australia had the edge in attacks. Though five penalty corners in the first half could not get them a goal, the situation was no better in the second half either as they could convert just one of the seven short corners they earned.

Captain Dwyer once again proved his striking prowess to score off the 12th penlaty corner, but that was no consolation as the defeat may cost the Australians dearly. The tall, strappy players of both the teams played no frills hockey with attack and defence providing a fine interplay of the tough kind of European hockey. A couple of penalty corners awarded by the field umpire to the Australian team were negated by the television umpire, which consumed a lot of time of the match in needless waiting.

Earlier, Olympic runners-up Spain were given a scare by a fighting South Africa who not only scored the first goal, but also came back to level the score at 2-2. South Africa took the lead after muffing a penalty corner when Julian Hykes trapped the ball near the half line, dribbled into the Spanish box, beat the custodian and put the ball in. That was in the 17th minute, and the goal stirred Spain into their attacking mode as two minutes later, they drew parity through Roc Oliva. And in the 25th minute, they took the lead when David Alegre stretched his stick to connect a cross from the right.

He also fashioned the move for the third goal, which was scored by Rodrig Garza while Pau Quemada swept in off a penalty corner to record an emphatic victory. In between Ian Haley scored off a melee to account for South Africa's second goal, which got them at par with Spain, but it was thus far and not further for the African team while Spain went on to hit the mark twice more, with their speed and skillful hockey.

Hockey by chalaki (hockey by intrigues) had been an adage that lost its relevance long time ago. Rather, those who tried to fox their opponents by finer intricacies of the game were punished not only with free hits against their sides but were at times given even green or yellow cards. But now this trait associated with the game has travelled from players to the organisers, including the International Hockey Federation, Hockey India, the Indian Olympic Association and the Organising Committee of the 12th World Cup.

From entry to the Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium, the venue of the competition, to free interaction with participating teams, team officials, technical officials and even access to the media centre was delayed till last day. Interestingly, it was all blame game. FIH, HI and the IOA putting the entire blame on the security forces, including the police for all chaos that gave this mega event, second time in India since 1982, a foul start. The FIH chief even tried to get away with it by saying he had problems in getting into the stadium.

None was ready to talk about tickets. The online portal gave no indication about VIP tickets that many of overseas Indian hockey fans wanted to buy. Many of them landed here to be frustrated further. Tickets are no more available. Further availability of tickets, they feel, would depend upon the outcome of India-Pakistan match. If India wins, tickets will remain available only at a premium. Otherwise, there would be no takers. It is why they say that final is being played on the opening day of the fortnight long tournament.

Among those unable to get pass, invite or tickets has been German-based orthopaedician Joginder Singh. He has come here with his German wife, daughter and son-in-law with the fond hope that his long association with the team as a doctor would be recognised. In spite of his best of efforts and contacts, both in HI and the IOA, he felt disappointed and started considering returning to Germany even before the tournament got a day old.

Equally disappointed was MS Binepal and his son, Yitender who came all the way from Kenya to watch the World Cup. They had been trying for a month to get VIP tickets of Rs 1,000 each for initial matches and Rs 1,500 tickets for the final. So far they have got none.

Stan and Margaret Salazar from Australia, too, have a similar story to tell. They had been following Indian team in World Cups and Olympics. But home ground experience had been too ‘awful’ for them to remember any longer.

The venue has been converted into a security forces citadel. Entrance for media has a single x-ray machine. Imagine a couple of hundreds of journalists, including cameramen going through long waits for getting their equipment screened. Even coins had to be left in a bucket at the security check counter. 

London, February 28
Chelsea lost 4-2 at home to Manchester City and Arsenal closed within three points of the Premier League leaders with a 3-1 win at Stoke City marred by a horrific leg injury to Aaron Ramsey on Saturday. City scored a memorable victory at Stamford Bridge where the drama started before kickoff with a first meeting between former Chelsea team mates John Terry and Wayne Bridge since news broke of Terry's alleged affair with Bridge's former girlfriend.

Arsenal later inflicted Stoke's first defeat of 2010 when they came from behind to win 3-1. The victory though was overshadowed by a serious injury to Wales midfielder Ramsey who was taken straight to hospital with a suspected broken leg after a challenge from defender Ryan Shawcross that earned a red card.

The reaction of the players was reminiscent of when Arsenal's Eduardo da Silva broke his leg against Birmingham City two years ago. Danny Pugh had put Stoke ahead but a header from Nicklas Bendtner, a penalty by Cesc Fabregas and a tap-in from Thomas Vermaelen in stoppage time gave Arsenal the points.

Chelsea stay top with 61 points from 28 matches, one ahead of Manchester United (60) who meet Aston Villa in the League Cup final on Sunday. Arsenal are third on 58 points. Manchester City have 49 points in fourth spot, one place above Tottenham Hotspur (46) who play Everton on Sunday.

Portsmouth ended a traumatic week, when they were placed in administration and sustained a nine-point penalty deduction to virtually seal relegation, by winning 2-1 at Burnley. Bolton Wanderers climbed out of the bottom three with a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Zat Knight scoring. — Reuters

Ludhiana, February 28
On the lines of foreign players taking part in the IPL, the cricketers participating in the T- 10 gully cricket tournament have also raised security concern only three days before the tournament.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Sirsa from March 3, which is currently on the boil after the alleged followers of Dera Sirsa chief Baba Ram Rahim went on the rampage, after CBI leveled fresh charges against the controversial Guru on the latter’s involvement in the murder case of former Dera manager, Fakir Chand. As many as eight team, which have qualified in the super eight would take part in the tournament.

While, Ludhiana and Jalandhar would represent Punjab, Surat and Daman would represnt Gujrat.

Gorkhpur, Allahabad and Ballia would represent Uttar Pradesh. Host Sirsa would play for Haryana. The matches would be shown live on DD Sports. According to sources actress Divya Dutta, who owns Ludhiana Gully had raised concern over the security issue.

While Talking to the Tribune over the phone from Mumbai, She, however, tried to downplay the development. “I came to know about the recent violence in Haryana and some parts of Punjab, but the stadium where the tournament was scheduled to be organised is very well guarded. I hope there would not be any security problem. Further, I would definitely talk to the event organisers on the security issue," said Divya Dutta.

The cricketers, who are taking part in the tournament, are worried lot. The team members visited Dandi Swami temple today to take obeisance before leaving for Sirsa. The players on the condition of anonymity said that they were worried about their security. Despite repeated attempts tournament organiser Anoop Bajwa was not available for comments. 

Ludhiana, February 28
Saluting the three hockey Olympians, their alma-mater, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has decided to name a road on campus after the trio.

In an endeavour to inspire the coming generations to bring laurels for the country like late Pirthipal Singh, Charanjit Singh and Ramandeep Singh, the PAU has named the road on campus leading to the playgrounds after them.

The Olympians road, as it would be popularly named, will have a pointer in front of the M.S. Randhawa Library in the campus. The VC, who is the man behind the idea said the three olympians walked on these roads to reach the playgrounds while they represented university's hockey team.

‘‘It is a matter of great pride for us that the three were the alumnus of this university. The soil of hockey stadium on campus is also proud to have given three hockey stars to the country. There is not better way to salute them for their contribution. Where the university remembers icons like Dr M.S. Randhawa, it would also remember the three of them, ’’ said Dr Kang.

Pirthipal Singh had remained a top scorer in Olympics thrice in 1960, 1964 and 1968. Charanjit Singh represented Indian in 1960 and 1964 and Ramandeep Singh in 1996 and 2000.

BRIEFLY

Novak Djokovic with the winner’s trophy after winning the final of the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships on Sunday. — Reuters

‘IPL not worth dying for’
London: English cricketer Ravi Bopara has indefinitely postponed his trip to India for IPL due to security apprehensions, saying cricket meant everything to him but "it is not worth dying for". Bopara, who was snapped at $450,000 by the Kings XI Punjab, was supposed to leave today to join the Mohali-based outfit for this year's Indian Premier League but the Essex cricketer backed out at the last moment, saying he was not sure if the risk was worth taking. —PTI

Duo rubbish fixing allegations
Karachi: Pakistan's senior players, Kamran Akmal and Rana Naved have reacted strongly to reports that they were under investigation by the Pakistan cricket Board for their involvement in match-fixing. Both the players denied they had any links with bookmakers or were involved in match-fixing. — PTI

Lankan media hails Tendulkar
Colombo: Much like their counterparts in other cricket-playing nations, the Sri Lankan media too bowed in appreciation for Sachin Tendulkar, lauding his historic and awe-inspiring double ton in the Gwalior ODI. Calling him a "batting god", editorials lavished praise on Tendulkar who became the first batsman in the history of one-day cricket to score a double hundered. — PTI

Pataudi inspects Kotla pitch
New Delhi: Indian Premier League's cricket committee chairman Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi today inspected the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium and expressed satisfaction with the remedial work done on the pitch. Pataudi said he was confident that the IPL matches will be held successfully at the venue which was banned for a year due to the "unfit" pitch. — PTI

Sutil 7th on rain-marred day
Barcelona: Sporadic rain literally poured cold water on Force India's testing at the Circuit de Catalunya with Adrian Sutil setting the seventh quickest time of the day. After a switch to the second race chassis, Sutil's morning programme was principally concentrated on baseline runs and set-up checks. — PTI

Paes-Dlouhy lose Dubai final
Dubai: Second seeds Leander Paes and his Czech partner Lukas Dlouhy faltered at the final hurdle and went down in straight sets in the men's doubles summit clash to finish runners-up in the Dubai Tennis Championships here. The Swede-Australian pair of Simon Aspelin and Paul Hanley defeated Dlouhy and Paes 6-2 6-3 in just 57 minutes, much to the disappointment of Dubai's large Indian population. — PTI

Kapil, Lara at Laureus Awards
Dubai: Cricket may not have fetched too many trophies at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards but three of the game's biggest legends -- Kapil Dev, Ian Botham and Brian lara -- have been invited to attend the March 10 ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Kapil, a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, Lara and Botham will be among a host of sporting icons attending the function. — PTI

Man U win Carling Cup
LONDON: Wayne Rooney continued his remarkable scoring streak with his 28th goal of the season to seal Manchester United's 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the 50th League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Rooney, who came on as a substitute for United's other scorer Michael Owen struck with a superbly executed header after 74 minutes for his 20th goal in his last 20 matches as United became the first team since Nottingham Forest in 1989 and 1990 to win the cup in successive seasons. — Reuters