Less than 24 hours after a disappointing loss to Spain in their FIH Pro League opener, the India men hockey team produced a strong response, securing a 2-0 victory in the second match of the doubleheader.
Goals from Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh ensured India walked away with all three points, while a disciplined defensive performance kept Spain at bay.
A Determined Comeback
Coming off a tough defeat, India knew they had to raise their game, and they did exactly that. Even with Harmanpreet Singh and five other key players rested, the team showed great intensity and purpose from the start.
The breakthrough came through Mandeep Singh, who has built a reputation for his poaching instincts inside the circle.
He capitalized on a well-worked attack to put India ahead and inject confidence into the side. Dilpreet Singh then doubled the lead, finishing off a swift counterattack to give India a comfortable cushion.
Spain tried to mount a comeback, but the Indian defense, which looked shaky in the previous match, was much more compact this time.
Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made some vital saves to maintain the clean sheet, ensuring that India remained in control throughout the game.
A Rock-Solid Defensive Display
While the attack was clinical, India’s defensive organisation was the biggest highlight of the night. The backline showed remarkable discipline, denying Spain clear goal-scoring opportunities and maintaining composure under pressure.
The team learned from their mistakes in the first match and executed a well-structured defensive plan, which ultimately proved to be the difference.
Injury Concerns for India
Despite the victory, there was some concern for India as Sukhjeet Singh suffered an injury during the match. This comes just a day after Sumit was also injured, marking back-to-back injuries to two important players in successive games. The extent of Sukhjeet’s injury remains unclear, but the team will hope its nothing serious, especially with crucial matches ahead.
A Special Milestone for Rawi Anbananthan
Apart from Indias impressive performance, the match was also significant for umpire Rawi Anbananthan, who officiated his 100th international match.
His remarkable achievement is a testament to his dedication, passion, and excellence in umpiring, earning him well-deserved recognition on this special occasion.
Looking Ahead
This victory is a massive confidence booster for India as they continue their FIH Pro League campaign. The ability to recover so quickly from a setback and produce a commanding win speaks volumes about the teams resilience.
With key players rested and new combinations being tested, India will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
