The Project 2013 squad were trashed 6-1 by Indian Oil Corporation in their opening match of the 66th Obaidullah Khan Gold Cup at Bhopal.
But before the critics launch any attack for the heavy defeat, they must bear in mind that the tournament that offers a prize money of 20 lakh rupees is participated by top club sides from India boasting of several current and ex-internationals.
An own goal in the 12th minute set the ball rolling for IOC who added another two via Prabhjot Singh in the 25th minute and Thimanna PL in the 29th minute for a 3-0 lead.
2013 reduced the deficit in the 34th minute via Rashid Baharom.
Two more penalty corner goals by Gurjinder in the 50th and 63rd minutes made it 5-1 before former international Deepak Thakur completed the rout in the 67th minute.
In another Group A match Air India Bhopal defeated Bhopal Reds 4-3.
The Malaysian Juniors take on Air India in their next match on Saturday and it will not be easy as Air India are represented by the likes of Arjun Halappa who scored a hattrick in the win and Olympian Samir Herpes.
