New Delhi: India men’s hockey team produced yet another dominant display as they thrashed Ireland 4-0 to bag their third win in a row in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 on Sunday. Fifth-ranked India mauled Ireland with the help of goals from Nilam Sanjeep Xess (14’), Mandeep Singh (24’), Abhishek (28’) and Shamsher Singh (34’) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
Ireland made a strong start against favourites India in the first quarter but the hosts did well to soak up the pressure through Manpreet Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh, who were resolute in defence and thwarted the opponent team’s attacks. Ireland also earned the first penalty corner of the match in the first quarter after creating pressure on India, however, they failed to capitalise and score from it.
Nilam Sanjeep Xess scored the opening goal for India in the 14th minute with a brilliant solo effort on a counter-attack from the hosts. There was no looking back for India after taking the lead as the hosts gained momentum from Xess’ goals and dominated the proceedings in the second quarter.
India earned a penalty corner in the 24th minute, their first in the game and managed to convert it as Mandeep Singh doubled the lead for the hosts with a great strike. India struck again in the second quarter with just two minutes left on the clock when Abhishek put the ball in the back of the net after Amit Rohidas’ shot was blocked by the Irish keeper and it fell in front of the forward.
Shamser Singh wrapped up dominant win for India
Abhishek goal’s extended India’s lead to 3-0 at half-time India came out all guns blazing after the break as they took the Ireland defence by surprise with a string of attacks. Shamser made it 4-0 for India in the 34th minute when Mandeep set him up for a close-range finish with a brilliant pass. Ireland tried to stage a fightback in the 3rd quarter but failed to find the back of the net as India led 4-0 at the final break.
India managed to hold on to their 4-0 lead in the final 4th quarter to complete a dominant victory and continue their winning run in the tournament. India were resolute in defence in the final quarter but also kept looking for the 5th goal. However, Ireland neither scored nor conceded as the match finished 4-0 in the hosts’ favour.
The Indian men’s hockey team continued their winning streak in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League with a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Ireland on Sunday. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
