NEW DELHI: India registered an impressive 3-1 win over reigning world champions Germany in their FIH Hockey Pro League game in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Wednesday.
It was India’s first victory of the League season. Mandeep Singh opened the scoring in the seventh minute, becoming India’s most-capped hockey player.
This was his 413th appearance for India, surpassing former captain and current Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, who played 412 matches for the country.
Shilanand Lakra’s goal in the 13th minute gave India a comfortable 2-0 lead. The third quarter saw Nilakanta Sharma score a field goal, bolstering India’s position.
Raphael Hartkopf pulled one back for Germany in the 45th minute. The German side tried their best to put pressure on India, but a solid defensive display from the Indian team ensured that Germany could not score another goal.
India’s Hardik Singh won the Player of the Match award.
On June 14, India lost 2-3 to Olympic champion Netherlands. Both sides will meet again on Thursday.
