New Delhi: India continued their decade long unbeaten run against Pakistan in international hockey with a thrilling 4-3 victory in the FIH Pro League on Tuesday, securing an important win in a fiercely contested encounter.
The result lifted India to seventh place in the standings and marked the first meeting between the two rivals since the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy in China, where India had also emerged victorious.
Pakistan struck first through Ahmad Nadeem, who converted a penalty corner in the eighth minute to hand his side an early advantage. India gradually settled into the contest and found the equaliser in the 22nd minute when Abhishek finished a well worked field move.
The momentum shifted firmly in India’s favour moments later as Nilakanta Sharma converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute to give his side a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.
India continued to dominate after the break and extended their advantage in the 40th minute when Abhishek set up Sukhjeet Singh inside the circle for a fine finish. Rajinder Singh then made it 4-1 after converting a penalty corner following a cleverly executed routine.
Pakistan refused to give up and mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter. Captain Abu Mahmood reduced the deficit with a successful penalty corner in the 53rd minute before Moin Shakeel scored from another set piece with only seconds remaining on the clock.
Despite the late pressure, India held firm in the closing moments to secure a hard fought victory and three valuable points in the competition.
The Indian defence produced several crucial interventions throughout the contest, while goalkeeper Suraj Karkera and defender Amit Rohidas played important roles in preserving the lead during Pakistan’s late surge.
India will next face hosts England in the London leg of the FIH Pro League on Friday as they continue their campaign.
