Men's FIH Pro League: India Triumphs Over Ireland 3-1
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 21, India made a strong comeback from a 0-1 deficit to secure a 3-1 victory against Ireland in the men's FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at Kalinga Hockey Stadium. Mandeep Singh’s equalizer and goals from Jarmanpreet and Sukhjeet led India to their third win in the league.
Key Takeaways
- India overcame a 0-1 early deficit.
- Mandeep Singh scored the equalizer in the 22nd minute.
- Jarmanpreet Singh scored the second goal in the 45th minute.
- Sukhjeet Singh sealed the win with a goal in the 58th minute.
- India secured their third win in the league, now with nine points.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 21 (NationPress) India rallied from a 0-1 deficit to secure a 3-1 victory over Ireland in the ongoing men's FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium here on Friday. An equalizing goal by Mandeep Singh (22') set the stage for India, followed by goals from Jarmanpreet Singh (45') and Sukhjeet Singh (58'). For Ireland, Jeremy Duncan (8') was the only scorer.
The opening quarter saw Ireland dominate with several circle entries, taking the lead in the 8th minute when Jeremy Duncan struck the ball past Krishan Pathak, following an assist from Nelson. Despite more attempts, including a penalty corner, they could not increase their advantage.
India, recovering from a sluggish start, initiated a promising attack early in the second quarter. Sukhjeet attempted a shot from within the circle but lost possession.
Ireland’s defense was robust and effective, drawing praise from Indian Chief Coach Craig Fulton, who acknowledged Ireland's strong start. However, Mandeep shifted the momentum in the second quarter with a remarkable goal in the 22nd minute, picking up the ball from Abhishek, moving to the right flank, and unleashing a powerful shot that found the corner of the net.
India’s fortunes dramatically changed in the second quarter as they launched aggressive attacks, finally taking the lead in the 45th minute with a penalty corner. Although Harmanpreet's drag-flick was saved by the Irish keeper, Jarmanpreet capitalized on the rebound to score, giving India a 2-1 lead.
The two goals ignited a wave of excitement among the Kalinga Stadium fans. The final quarter was filled with opportunities, including another penalty corner for India, while Ireland faced adversity as Luke Witherow received a yellow card.
In the closing minute, Sukhjeet netted India’s third goal in a brilliant play where Harmanpreet chose a clever pass to Rajinder, who shot, allowing Sukhjeet to finish. This 3-1 victory marked India’s third win in this prestigious league, accumulating nine points from five matches.
