Defending champions India conceded a late goal to allow arch-rivals Pakistan walk away with a 1-1 draw in their opening Pool A match of the Asia Cup men’s hockey tournament, here on Monday.

India took the lead in the ninth minute through Karthi Selvam before Abdul Rana equalised in the 59th from a penalty corner.

India next play Japan on Tuesday.

Pakistan had the first chance to score in the third minute in the form of a penalty corner, but they failed to capitalise. Seconds later, it was India’s turn to secure a penalty corner but Neelam Sanjip Xess’ effort was saved by the Pakistan goalie Akmal Hussain. The Indians secured two more penalty corners in the first quarter, the second of which was converted by Karthi, who scored his first international goal after his flick went inside the Pakistan citadel after getting a deflection off the stick of defender Muhammad Abdullah.

A lapse in concentration cost India dear as a long ball caught an otherwise alert Indian defence off guard in the final two minutes, resulting in a penalty corner for Pakistan. Rana pushed in from a rebound after Mubashar Ali’s flick was saved at the goal line by Yashdeep Siwach.