Muscat: In a thrilling conclusion to the FIH Hockey5s Men’s World Cup Oman 2024, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team emerged victorious, clinching a 6-4 triumph over Egypt in the final encounter held in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. This hard-fought victory secured a commendable fifth-place finish for the Indian squad in the prestigious tournament.
The scoring spectacle began with Mohammed Raheel (8’) and Pawan Rajbhar (9’) making early contributions, establishing a 2-0 lead for India. The team’s dominance continued as Maninder Singh (10’), Mandeep Mor (11’), and Uttam Singh (13’) added goals in quick succession, further extending India’s advantage.
Despite India’s strong start, Egypt showcased resilience, with Captain Amr Sayed (14’, 19’) scoring two crucial goals to keep his team in the running. Nevertheless, India maintained a commanding 5-2 lead as the first half came to a close.
The second half witnessed Egypt intensifying their attacks in an attempt to stage a comeback. However, Maninder Singh (23’) from India managed to score again, widening the lead to 6-2. Egypt, undeterred, responded with quick goals from Mostafa Ragab (23’) and Karim Atef (24’), narrowing the gap to 6-4.
With the clock ticking down, India strategically shifted their focus to a strong defensive stance and ball possession. This strategic approach thwarted Egypt’s attempts at further goals, ultimately securing a well-deserved 6-4 victory for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team.
The Indian squad’s stellar performance in the FIH Hockey5s Men’s World Cup Oman 2024 has showcased their skill, determination, and sportsmanship on the international stage. The fifth-place finish marks a significant achievement for Indian hockey and sets a promising tone for future competitions.