Eindhoven, July 9 (NationPress) - The India A men’s hockey team commenced their European tour with a commanding 6-1 victory over Ireland at the Hockey Club Oranje-Rood.

The team exhibited a flawless performance across all four quarters, leaving little room for error. Uttam Singh initiated the scoring for the blue brigade, followed by Amandeep Lakra who doubled their advantage. Aditya Lalage then shone brightly by netting two successive goals, showcasing his striking prowess.

Selvam Karthi and Boby Singh Dhami also contributed to the scoreline, each finding the back of the net. Ireland could only manage a single consolation goal as India maintained a robust defensive front.

India will face Ireland once more on July 9, aiming to replicate their success and build momentum for the upcoming matches against France, England, Belgium, and the Netherlands over the next two weeks.

These contests are crucial for assessing the depth and preparedness of the players, as the national setup strives to cultivate a stronger talent pool for the senior Indian team. Hockey India’s objective is to enhance the talent reservoir for the Indian Men's national team and provide invaluable international experience to the next generation of hockey athletes.

“This tour will serve as an excellent testing ground for us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses. With a blend of experienced and young players, we will have the opportunity to face strong competition, allowing us to gauge their readiness. This international exposure will be instrumental in fortifying our main team for the future and establishing a solid bench strength,” stated captain Sanjay prior to the tour.