India bury small fries with ease

When Hockey World League (Rd 2) match between India and Kazakhstan women started at the National Stadium, the presence of a sizeable number of men in khaki underlined the fact that the Capital's hockey fraternity would not come in large numbers to witness the contest.

When Hockey World League (Rd 2) match between India and Kazakhstan women started at the National Stadium, the presence of a sizeable number of men in khaki underlined the fact that the Capital's hockey fraternity would not come in large numbers to witness the contest.

HT Image

Few spectators

Throughout the 70-minute contest, there were hardly any spectators as the hosts thrashed

Kazakhstan 8-0, to collect full points in the opening match. The absence of spectators could also be due to the quality play dished out. Besides, lack of proper parking within the stadium is another reason for the hockey fraternity to stay away from the event that offers a berth to the 2014 World Cup.

In fact, as the Indian women went about their task of punishing a hapless Kazakhstan team, scoring four goals in the first half, those who left the venue during half-time, never returned to see India pump in four more goals in the second half.

The Indian men's team, led by Sardar Singh, crushed minnows Fiji 16-0 to open their account in style for the tournament.