The Indian men’s hockey team went down 3-1 to Great Britain in its FIH Pro League 2023-24 match in London on Sunday.
A couple of goals from Nicholas Bandurak (2’, 11’) and another from Will Calnan (47’) helped fourth-ranked Great Britain win against world No. 3 India. Abhishek (35’) scored the only goal for the Indian hockey team.
Despite the loss, India remain third on the FIH Pro League points table behind the Netherlands and Argentina, respectively. The Tokyo Olympics hockey bronze medallists have won five of their 14 matches so far this season .
Great Britain began the match on a positive note. A fine counterattack set up Nicholas Bandurak’s goal in the second minute and he was on target once again in the 11th minute to make it 2-0 for the home side.
India also had a chance through a penalty corner but skipper Harmanpreet Singh‘s drag-flick missed the target.
Following the half-time break, India looked for ways to match Great Britain’s high intensity. Just minutes into the third quarter, Abhishek finally brought some respite to the Indian side with a brilliant reverse-hit goal in the 35th minute.
Carrying the positive momentum, Abhishek helped India win a penalty corner in the next minute but Harmanpreet couldn’t test the opposition keeper.
Despite having a slender one-goal lead in the final quarter, Great Britain looked composed and restored their two-goal lead in the 47th minute via Will Calnan.
India challenged the goal through a video referral but the third umpire ruled against the appeal and the contest ended in a 3-1 loss for the visitors.
India will face world champions Germany in the FIH Pro League on Saturday. The last match between the two teams ended in a comprehensive 3-0 victory for the Indian side.