The Indian hockey team began their FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Spain 2-0 in their opening Pool D match of the tournament at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, here on Friday.
Amit Rohidas (13') scored India's opener in the first quarter while Hardik Singh (27') netted India's second goal. The win takes India up to the second place in Pool D standings behind England, who beat Wales 5-0 in the other Pool fixture earlier in the day.
Both teams started the match on equal footing and the first 10 minutes ebbed and flowed with the two teams dominating phases of the game. However the final few minutes of the first quarter saw India take control and capitalise with an all-important first goal.
After captain Harmanpreet Singh's shot was blocked by the Spain defence, Amit Rohidas latched onto the loose ball and drove his shot past a helpless Adrian Rafi in the Spanish goal to score India's first goal of the Hockey World Cup 2023.
It was also India's 200th goal in the tournament. Only Australia, the Netherlands and Pakistan have scored more.
Spain increased their attacking intent to try and restore parity but India goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak pulled off some fantastic saves to keep India's lead intact. India also created opportunities of their own and found a second goal from a counter attack.
Hardik Singh broke in pace and showed some stunning three dimensional skills to weave past four defenders. His attempt at goal from a tight angle took a deflection off a Spanish defender and rippled the net. India took a 2-0 advantage into the half-time break.
Shortly after the restart, Akashdeep Singh won India a penalty stroke but Harmanpreet's shot from the spot was just about snuffed on the line by Adrian Rafi. India came close to scoring a third on several occasions in the third quarter, including from two Harmanpreet PCs, but the scoreline remained 2-0 heading into the final quarter.
India were dealt a blow early in the final quarter after Abhishek was shown a yellow card. The 10 minute suspension reduced India to 10-men and allowed Spain some leeway.
However, the Indian team defended diligently to see the match off. India will play England next on Sunday.
.jpg)
Forest Dept launches Multi-Pronged strategy to Prevent Human-Elephant Conflict
The Forest Department of the Tripura government has undertaken a series of steps, including the creation of Congo Napier plantations in elephant habitats and radio collaring, to prevent human-elephant conflict.
Once struggled with irregular power supply – Tripura’s Rangacherra to become state’s first solar village
Rangacherra, a small village in the West Tripura district under Mohanpur R D Block has embarked on a journey to become the state’s first solar powered village.
Tripura Govt working to boost AYUSH services in state: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the state level programme of observance of World Homeopathy Day here at Agartala and said that the government is mulling to establish Homeopathy Medical College in the state.
Bangladesh court issues fresh arrest warrant against 18, including former PM Hasina and daughter
A Bangladesh court on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against 18 people, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, in a case filed on allegations of corruption in a plot allotment under the Purbachal New Town project, local media reported.
26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana successfully extradited from the US: NIA
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday announced that it had successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, "after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem to justice".
Former NIA officer who interrogated Headley welcomes Tahawwur Rana’s extradition
Loknath Behera, former senior officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and part of the team that interrogated David Coleman Headley -- the key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks -- on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the successful extradition of Tahawwur Rana from the United States.
Tahawwur Rana extradition: Israel praises Modi govt for bringing terrorists to justice
Thanking the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its persistence in bringing terrorists to justice, Israel on Thursday welcomed the extradition of 26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana from the United States to India.
As Rana lands in India, 26/11 martyr Tukaram Omble's brother demands hanging of Tahawwur
On the day Tahawwur Rana, one of the co-conspirators in the Mumbai terror attacks was brought to India, Eknath Omble, the brother of Ashok Chakra awardee and 26/11 martyr Tukaram Omble, urged the central government to hang the terrorist and send a strong message to Pakistan.