India went down 2-3 to Olympic Champions Argentina in the opening match of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey in Ipoh, Malaysia on Saturday.

Star drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat scored a hat-trick for Argentina while Amit Rohidas converted two penalty corners for India.

Play was stopped in fourth quarter due to heavy rain. At resumption, India were reduced to 10 men though a last-gasp effort from Talwinder Singh almost found the equaliser for India.

India next play England on Sunday. The other teams taking part in the tournament are Australia, Ireland and Malaysia.