Tough start for India as they fall 1-5 to China in opening match

Despite a brave first-half performance, the Indian men's football team lost to host China 1-5 in their opening group game at the 19th Asian Games on Tuesday at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium, in Hangzhou.

- 

Rahul KP scored India's only goal in injury time of the first half. It was but natural that the hosts would kick the game off at a frenetic pace, buoyed as they were by a partisan crowd. The vigour and passion generated by the anthems had barely subsided when they conjured their first chance, Tao Qianglong crossing from the left only for Xu Haoyang to put his header wide. It was a sign of things to come. China repeatedly targeted the Indian right through the early exchanges, Qiang long running riot, and with ease. In the 13th minute, Tan Long was played through by Dai Weijun, a