Bhubaneswar: The Indian men’s hockey team marked a strong start to the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 season with a convincing 4-1 victory over Spain in their opening match at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh showcased stellar performance with two goals in the 7th and 28th minutes, while Jugraj Singh (24′) and Lalit Upadhyay (50′) each contributed a goal, securing India’s triumphant win. Spanish captain Marc Miralles (34′) was the sole scorer for the visitors.
India initiated the scoring in the 7th minute as Hardik Singh’s run earned a penalty corner, converted by Harmanpreet Singh with a powerful low drag-flick. Despite Spain’s better ball possession, India’s disciplined defense maintained a 1-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, India extended their lead with Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty stroke in the 20th minute and Jugraj Singh’s low drag-flick in the 24th minute, bringing the score to 3-0 at halftime.
Spain showed resilience in the third quarter, earning a penalty stroke in the 34th minute, which Miralles converted to pull one back. The quarter saw end-to-end action, with both teams seeking opportunities.
The final quarter witnessed India adding a fourth goal through Lalit Upadhyay’s reverse flick in the 50th minute. Despite Spain’s aggressive pursuit, India’s defense, led by goalie PR Sreejesh, held strong.
Gurjant Singh’s yellow card left India with 10 men in the closing minutes, but Spain failed to capitalize, securing India’s comfortable 4-1 win.
India is set to face the defending champions, the Netherlands, in their second match on Sunday.
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