India’s Strong Start in London
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team began their FIH Pro League European tour in London with a 4-3 victory over Pakistan. The match, held at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, saw India secure their third outright win of the current Pro League season. This win propelled India to the seventh position in the points table. Manpreet Singh was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his performance.
The game started cautiously, with both teams making early circle entries. Pakistan initially took the lead in the eighth minute when Ahmad Nadeem converted a penalty corner. India quickly responded with aggressive play, though they struggled to convert opportunities early on. Towards the end of the first quarter, India earned three consecutive penalty corners, but Pakistan goalkeeper Ali Raza made a crucial save against Harmanpreet Singh’s dragflick.
Second Quarter Momentum and Goal Surge
India intensified their attack in the second quarter, focusing on quick passing to find an equalizer. In the 22nd minute, Abhishek capitalized on a rebound from Dilpreet Singh’s shot to level the score at 1-1. Just three minutes later, India earned another penalty corner, and Nilakanta Sharma reacted swiftly to a rebound, scoring to put India ahead 2-1. Goalkeeper Raza continued to be a strong presence for Pakistan, saving further attempts from Jugraj Singh and Harmanpreet, maintaining the score at 2-1 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Pakistan increase their tempo, creating multiple circle entries, but the Indian defense remained resolute. Amit Rohidas notably broke up a dangerous two-on-one counter-attack. India then extended their lead in the 40th minute when Abhishek assisted Sukhjeet Singh, who scored to make it 3-1. This period showcased India’s ability to absorb pressure and convert their chances effectively.
Dramatic Finish and Subsequent Dominance
The final quarter brought late drama as Pakistan pressed to reduce the deficit. After India’s defense blocked two penalty corners in the 51st minute, a swift counter-attack led to a penalty corner for India in the 52nd minute. With Harmanpreet acting as a decoy, Rajinder Singh scored past substitute goalkeeper Waqar, making it 4-1. Pakistan responded quickly, with captain Abu Mahmood scoring from a penalty corner in the 53rd minute to make it 4-2. Despite a missed penalty corner by Jugraj Singh in the 56th minute, India held on. Moin Shakeel scored for Pakistan with just 14 seconds left, bringing the score to 4-3, but India secured the victory.
In a subsequent match, India demonstrated a dominant performance against Pakistan, securing a 7-1 victory. This match followed their earlier 4-3 win against the same opponent. In the 7-1 encounter, Pakistan initially took the lead in the 13th minute through a penalty corner converted by Abu Mahmood. India equalized in the 20th minute with Sukhjeet deflecting in a flick from Harmanpreet. Harmanpreet then scored from a penalty corner in the 26th minute, finding the top corner of the goal.
India continued to build their lead, with Hardik Singh converting a stroke in the third quarter. Jugraj Singh added another goal from a counter-attack, assisted by Dilpreet Singh. Abhishek made the score 5-1 in the 41st minute with a reverse hit after receiving a pass from Sukhjeet. Rajkumar Pal scored from a rebound following a series of penalty corners in the 44th minute. Dilpreet Singh extended India’s lead further with a scoop goal in the 54th minute, assisted by Mandeep Singh. India is scheduled to play England in their final match on Sunday.
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Source: hockeyindia.org
