India won the first Test of the seven-match hockey series against Canada 2-0 at the University of Victoria ground, Victoria, Canada on Saturday. The goals were scored by Tushar Khandker (27 th minute) and Sandeep Singh (66 th minute).
According to information received here, Canada earned two penalty corners as against India's one. Khandker, playing as a midfielder, put India ahead in the 27th minute after shaking off his marker and firing home past Canada custodian David Carter. Canada came back strongly at the start of the second half but the backhand efforts from Gabbar Singh and Connor Meakin were well saved by goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza.
Shortly after, India lost a chance to increase the lead when Rajpal Singh failed to connect a Vikram Pillay cross at the second post. This was followed by another attempt but Shivendra Singh's effort was foiled by Canadian defender Wayne Fernandes. Sandeep Singh sealed Canada's fate in the 66th minute as he sank a penalty corner.
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The second Test will also be played at Victoria on Sunday.