Hockey

Captain Anita Punt opened the account for the Black Sticks in their 12-0 triumph in a Pool B match with a goal in the eighth minute before Flynn came into the frame with a flash strike in the 13th minute.

Ninth-ranked India will be in the tougher Pool A, rubbing shoulders with world No. 1 Australia, arch rivals Pakistan, the dangerous Poland and unpredictable France.

Sreejesh, who is also the team's vice-captain, said he is eagerly waiting for the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the FIH World League semis.

Rupinder's axing came as a shock for all and sundry as over the last couple of years he became an integral part of the Indian team.

Sreejesh feels that the absence of an experienced back up custodian is a major cause of worry for the team going into next year's Rio Olympics.

Goalkeeper Devon Manchester starred for the Black Sticks under the woodwork to secure the hard-earned win in the shoot-out against defending champions Australia.

With the tournament commencing on Sunday, the Indian men's team is all set to put their best foot forward in the opening clash against South Korea.

Barring the 2-0 win over Poland, the Indian eves are on a goal-scoring spree in this tournament and have so far pumped in 31 goals.

Malaysia completed an outstanding 8-0 win against Kazakhstan in the inaugural match at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Ranchi Rays reached the final of the third edition of the Hockey India League by defeating Uttar Pradesh Wizards.

Both Waveriders and Wizards came out with brilliant performances to provide a thrilling and entertaining 3-3 draw to the fans at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Waveriders take on Lancers on Sunday, while Rays will next be in action in their 10th and final league match against Warriors on Tuesday.

Captain Ashley Jackson struck the winner to help Ranchi Rays beat UP Wizards by a solitary goal in a Hockey India League match.

Hosts Uttar Pradesh Wizards suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Ranchi Rays in the Hockey India League (HIL) on Tuesday.

Gurjinder Singh gave Kalinga Lancers an early lead but Punjab Warriors made a comeback to win 2-1 in a Hockey India League match on Sunday.

Delhi registered their first victory of the season, following a 3-1 win over debutants Mumbai in a league match of the third edition of the Hero Hockey India League on Sunday.