India's junior men's hockey team drew 1-1 against Canberra Lakers in their Pool B game of the AHL in Perth on Sunday.
In a fairly slow start, the two teams interchanged possession in midfield without giving each other any real chances at goal but in the final minute of the first quarter, Ajit Pandey scored to give the India the lead.
Canberra Lakers made a strong comeback at the start of the second quarter, and soon earned a penalty corner which was converted by Stuart Shepherd in the 17th minute to draw level.
India played with greater urgency in the third quarter.
At the end of the quarter, India had an opportunity to surge ahead from their second penalty corner but Brendan Hill in front of Lakers goal denied the visitors.
India kept up the pressure in the final quarter, whereas Canberra were happy to sit back and defend.
India play Tassie Tigers in their next Pool B encounter on Monday.
Image: The India U-18 hockey team celebrate a goal
Photograph: Hockey India/Facebook.