In a final group stage clash at the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, Harmanpreet Singh's exceptional performance with two crucial penalty corner goals secured a 2-1 win for the Indian men’s hockey team over their arch-rivals Pakistan.This victory ensured India’s continued unbeaten streak and cemented their spot in the knockout stages.
The match, brimming with intensity, saw Pakistan strike first in the 8th minute. Ahmad Nadeem deftly redirected a pass from Hannan Shahid into the Indian goal, giving Pakistan an early lead. However, India, undeterred by the early setback, quickly rallied and pressed for an equaliser.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when India was awarded a penalty corner. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, renowned for his sharp precision, delivered a blistering flick that left Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Abdullah Muneeb, stranded. The goal levelled the score at 1-1 and shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour.
The drama continued in the 19th minute, with India once again awarded a penalty corner. Harmanpreet stepped up and expertly converted the opportunity, sending the ball through the Pakistani defence and into the net. This second goal gave India a 2-1 lead, a margin they would hold onto until the final whistle.
Despite a late surge from Pakistan, including a period where India played with 10 men following a yellow card for Manpreet Singh in the 57th minute, India’s defence remained resolute. Additional yellow cards for Pakistan’s Ashraf Rana and Sufyan Khan further disrupted their efforts and prevented them from finding an equaliser.
Nilakanta Sharma was named Hero of the Match, earning USD 200 for his impactful performance. Despite the accolade, Sharma expressed concern over the team’s difficulties when out of possession, highlighting areas for improvement as India prepares for the knockout rounds.
India’s triumph not only extended their unbeaten run in the tournament but also underscored their status as a formidable force. With Harmanpreet Singh’s standout performance and the team’s collective resilience, India looks poised for a strong showing as they advance to the next phase of the competition.(UNI)
