JALANDHAR, April 11: Visiting Pakistan veterans’ hockey team defeated India 2-1 in the first tie of four match Goodwill series here to go one up.Despite a tiring journey from Lahore to Jalandhar via Wagah border, visiting team displayed spirits and dominated the match from the very beginning with onslaughts on the rival citadel.

This paid dividends as first goal came in 14th minute through a fine field move by former Olympian Rahim Khan. He succeeded in penetrating Indian defence to sound the board from left flank.

The visitors led 1-0 at half time.

Pakistan made it 2-0 in the 38th minute from combined move by Rahim and Arif Bhopali which ended in the latter getting his name on the scoresheet.

Indian veterans managed to reduce the margin in the dying minutes when Olympian Rajinder Singh converted a penalty corner in the 69th minute.

The next match of the series will be played on Tuesday in Bhopal. Third and fourth matches are scheduled to be played in Delhi and Amritsar on April 14 and 16.—PPI