India go down to Argentina in Azlan Shah Cup

Ipoh (Malaysia): India lost 2-3 to Olympic champions Argentina in the opening match of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Saturday.

Drag-flick star Gonzalo Peillat scored a hat-trick for Argentina, while Amit Rohidas converted two penalty corners for India.

Peillat scored in the 13th and 24th minutes to give the South Americans a 2-0 advantage but India cut the deficit, thanks to the brilliance of Rohidas, who converted two penalty corners in the 26th and 31st minutes. Peillat again gave Argentina the lead in the 33rd minute.