Cape Town: The Indian men’s hockey team concluded their South Africa tour on Sunday with a 1-5 defeat against the top-ranked Netherlands. Abhishek (39′) scored the sole goal for India, while Jip Janssen (10′, 28′), Duco Telgenkamp (16′), Tjep Hoedemakers (21′), and Koen Bijen (35′) found the net for the Dutch side.
The match kicked off with the Netherlands taking an early lead as Janssen (10′) scored in the 10th minute. Despite concerted efforts, India couldn’t bridge the gap by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Telgenkamp (16′) extended the Netherlands’ lead, and Hoedemakers (21′) added a third goal. Jip Janssen (28′) scored late in the second quarter, and the Dutch side entered halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead.
India sought early goals in the second half, but Bijen (35′) secured another goal for the Netherlands. Abhishek (39′) managed to pull one back for India, and the third quarter concluded with India trailing 1-5.
Despite a spirited effort in the final 15 minutes, the Netherlands’ defense held firm, repelling any signs of Indian attacks. India, too, remained resolute in their defense in the last quarter, preventing further goals. The match concluded with the Netherlands maintaining their 5-1 lead.