The India A men’s hockey team kicked off its European tour in style, producing a commanding 6-1 victory over Ireland at the Hockey Club Oranje-Rood in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The clinical performance marked a strong statement of intent from the Indian side as it looks to test its bench strength and build depth ahead of future international assignments.
India took control early in the match, with Uttam Singh opening the scoring and setting the tone for what would be a dominant evening. Amandeep Lakra soon doubled the lead, giving India a comfortable buffer before the first half ended.
The third quarter saw Aditya Lalage shine, netting two goals in quick succession to effectively put the game out of Ireland’s reach. Selvam Karthi and Boby Singh Dhami joined the scoring list with a goal each, showcasing India’s attacking firepower and finishing prowess across all lines.
Ireland struggled to find its rhythm against a disciplined and aggressive Indian unit. The lone goal for the Irish side came late in the match, serving only as a consolation as India maintained tight defensive organisation throughout all four quarters.
This victory is a significant boost for India A as they gear up for a series of challenging fixtures in the coming weeks. The team will face Ireland once again on July 9 at 21:30 IST, with an eye on maintaining momentum and further refining its combinations.
The tour continues with matches against France, England, Belgium, and the Netherlands—strong European outfits that will test India’s squad depth and adaptability. These contests provide a vital platform for emerging players to prove their mettle under international conditions and stake their claim for future senior team opportunities.
For head coach and support staff, the performance offered multiple positives—not just in terms of the scoreboard but also in player execution, positional play, and defensive solidity. With a mixture of experience and youth, India A’s start to the tour reflects a growing bench strength that bodes well for the national setup.
The Indian contingent will look to carry this form forward and build a consistent run as the tour unfolds, hoping to return home with confidence and match-hardened players ready to contribute at higher levels.
