FIH Pro League: India’s men’s hockey team defeated Ireland 3-1 in the FIH Hockey Pro League on Friday after rallying from a goal deficit.
Jeremy Duncan’s goal from a field attempt in the eighth minute startled Harmanpreet Singh’s team. The comeback victory was accomplished by Jarmanpreet Singh (45′) and Sukhjeet Singh (58′) after Mandeep Singh (22′) equalized.
Nelson’s assist created the opportunity for this outstanding first goal. Although they had a few more shots on target, Ireland was unable to increase their lead.
India will now play Ireland in this Saturday’s return leg.
India, with nine points from five games, is presently ranked fifth in the standings.
With several circle entries and a quick attack from the right with no real threat from the defense, the first quarter was an all-Irish contest. In the eighth minute, Duncan hammered the ball past Krishan Bahadur Pathak to take the lead.
The amazing first goal was set up by an assist from Matthew Nelson. Ireland had many more chances to score, including a penalty corner, but they were unable to extend the lead.
Mandeep’s incredible goal in the 22nd minute of the second quarter gave them an equalizer. He grabbed Abhishek’s ball, drove it onto the right flank, and then took aim with a bold, forceful effort. The corner post was exactly where it should have been.
India took the lead in the third quarter. Jarmanpreet, who had just made the injection, was quick to pick up the rebound and put it past the goalie after Harmanpreet Singh’s dragflick from a penalty corner was rejected by the Irish keeper.
There were numerous scoring possibilities throughout the exciting last fifteen minutes. With a few minutes remaining, India gained a penalty corner, and Ireland, who were under siege, lost a man when Luke Witherow was sent off.
Sukhjeet scored India’s third goal, and it was an incredible one, with just over a minute remaining before the final whistle. Harmanpreet chose a fantastic variant of the drag-flick instead. Sukhjeet just needed to provide the last touch when he handed the ball to Rajinder, who took the shot.
With nine points from five games, the 3-1 victory gave India their third victory in the 2025 FIH Pro League.
