The Indian men’s hockey team produced a scintillating display to thrash arch-rival Pakistan 7-1 in the reverse fixture of the FIH Pro League’s London leg at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Friday.
After conceding early, India responded in emphatic fashion with goals from Sukhjeet Singh (20’), Harmanpreet Singh (26’), Hardik Singh (34’), Jugraj Singh (35’), Abhishek (41’), Raj Kumar Pal (44’) and Dilpreet Singh (54’). Hardik was named Player of the Match for an influential all-round performance.
Pakistan struck first when captain Abu Bakar Mahmood converted a Penalty Corner (PC) in the 13th minute. India, however, took control in the second quarter, stretching the defence with crisp passing before Sukhjeet deflected Harmanpreet’s drag-flick home to equalise. Harmanpreet then thundered in a PC to hand India a 2-1 lead before half-time.
The second half was one-way traffic. Hardik calmly converted a Penalty Stroke before Jugraj finished off a swift counter-attack moments later. Abhishek added a fifth after fine work from Sukhjeet, while Raj Kumar Pal pounced on a rebound from another PC to extend India’s lead to 6-1.
Dilpreet completed the rout with a composed finish in the 54th minute as India maintained defensive discipline despite late Pakistani PCs, sealing a commanding victory over its traditional rival.
Published on Jun 27, 2026