The Indian men’s hockey team kicked off the London leg of its FIH Pro League European tour with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Pakistan at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Tuesday.
In an entertaining contest filled with momentum swings and late drama, India held on despite a spirited Pakistan comeback to register its third outright win of the Pro League season. The result lifted India to seventh place in the standings, while midfielder Manpreet Singh was named Player of the Match.
Pakistan struck first in the eighth minute through Ahmad Nadeem, who successfully converted a well-worked penalty-corner routine to give his side an early advantage. India responded strongly and piled pressure on the Pakistan defence, earning three consecutive penalty corners late in the opening quarter. However, goalkeeper Ali Raza stood firm and denied Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick attempts.
India’s persistence paid off in the second quarter. In the 22nd minute, Abhishek brought his side level after reacting quickest to a rebound following Dilpreet Singh’s initial effort. The equaliser sparked India into life, and just two minutes later they took the lead.
Nilakanta Sharma capitalised on another penalty-corner opportunity, showing sharp reflexes to pounce on a loose ball and squeeze his effort through the goalkeeper’s legs. Pakistan survived further pressure before halftime thanks to a series of important saves from Raza, who prevented Jugraj Singh and Harmanpreet from extending India’s advantage.
Pakistan looked to mount a response after the break, but India’s defence remained resilient. Amit Rohidas produced a crucial intervention to stop a dangerous counterattack and preserve the lead.
India then tightened its grip on the match in the 40th minute when Abhishek turned provider, setting up Sukhjeet Singh for a composed finish that made it 3-1. The two-goal cushion grew even larger in the 52nd minute through a cleverly executed penalty-corner variation. Harmanpreet acted as a decoy before Rajinder Singh unleashed a strike past substitute goalkeeper Waqar to make it 4-1.
Pakistan refused to surrender and immediately reduced the deficit. Captain Abu Mahmood converted a penalty-corner flick in the 53rd minute to reignite hopes of a comeback. The pressure intensified in the closing stages, and Moin Shakeel added a third goal with just 14 seconds remaining after finishing from a rebound.
Despite the late scare, India maintained its composure in the final moments to secure a memorable victory and begin its London campaign on a winning note.
