India Men’s Hockey Team Clinches Marathon Shootout Victory Against Spain in FIH Pro League 2023-24
Dara Singh Chahal
Rourkela, 20th feb 2024: In a thrilling encounter at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, the Indian men’s hockey team showcased resilience and determination as they secured a hard-fought 8-7 shootout win against Spain in the FIH Pro League 2023-24 match on Monday. The victory came after both teams were deadlocked at 2-2 in regulation time.
Jarmanpreet Singh (1’) and Abhishek (35’) were the goal scorers for the Indian side, while Jose Basterra (3’) and Borja Lacalle (15’) found the net for Spain.
India, ranked fourth in the latest FIH rankings, had previously defeated world No. 8 Spain 4-1 in Bhubaneswar, but Monday’s match proved to be a closely contested affair.
The game commenced with an early breakthrough for India as Jarmanpreet Singh capitalized on a brilliant 40-yard aerial ball, driving into the circle to beat the Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado from a tight angle.
However, Spain quickly responded, with Jose Basterra converting a penalty corner in the third minute to level the scores.
The visitors then took the lead through Borja Lacalle just before the end of the first quarter, capitalizing on a well-executed move by Marc Miralles.
Abhishek restored parity for India in the third quarter, seizing on a rebound off the Spanish goalkeeper’s pads from a penalty corner variation by captain Harmanpreet Singh.
Despite both teams creating scoring opportunities, the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate, leading to a dramatic shootout.
In a tense shootout, 15 attempts found the back of the net consecutively before Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made a crucial save against Miralles, securing the victory for India.
The Indian men’s hockey team will now face the formidable world No. 1 Netherlands in its upcoming FIH Pro League 2023-24 match on Wednesday, aiming to carry forward the momentum from their hard-fought win against Spain.
