Muscat: The Indian men’s hockey team commenced their FIH Hockey 5s Men’s World Cup Oman 2024 journey with an impressive 9-1 win against Switzerland but faced a tough 6-8 defeat against Egypt in the Pool B encounters on Sunday.
In the opening match against Switzerland, both teams exhibited aggressive play, with India’s Mohammed Raheel (6′) breaking the deadlock and Mandeep Mor (11′) doubling the advantage. Raheel (12′) added another goal, and Mor (15′) scored just before halftime, securing a 4-0 lead for India.
The second half saw India focusing on ball possession to thwart Switzerland’s comeback attempts. Maninder Singh (19′, 22′, 26′, 28′) scored four quick goals, and Raheel (28′) completed his hat-trick. Switzerland managed to score through Captain Gael Wyss-Chodat (24′), but India sealed a commanding 9-1 victory.
In the second Pool B match against Egypt, India took an early lead with a goal by Pawan Rajbhar (3’). However, Egypt made a strong comeback with goals from Hossameldin Ragab (5’, 9’), Ahmed Elganaini (7’), and Amr Sayed (12’). Despite India’s efforts, Egypt secured an 8-6 victory.
Pawan Rajbhar (21’, 29’) completed a hat-trick, while Uttam Singh (25’) and Manjeet (30’) also scored for India. However, Egypt’s Ahmed Elnaggar (15’, 19’), Amr Sayed (18’), and Ahmed Elganaini (25’) maintained their lead, clinching the victory.
India will face Jamaica in their final Pool B match on January 29.