Abhishek scored India’s opening goal before Nilakanta Sharma, Sukhjeet Singh and Rajinder Singh struck to help the side seal a 4-3 win over Pakistan. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Indian men’s hockey team began the London leg of its FIH Pro League European tour with a 4-3 win over Pakistan at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Tuesday.

The victory was India’s third outright win of the Pro League season and moved it up to seventh in the standings. Manpreet Singh was named the player of the match.

Abhishek (22’), Nilakanta Sharma (24’), Sukhjeet Singh (40’) and Rajinder Singh (52’) scored for India, while Ahmad Nadeem (8’), Abu Mahmood (53’) and Moin Shakeel (60’) were on target for Pakistan.

Pakistan took the lead in the eighth minute when Nadeem capitalised on a penalty-corner routine. India responded with a string of attacks and won three consecutive penalty corners in the final minute of the first quarter, but Pakistan goalkeeper Ali Raza denied Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick.

India raised the tempo in the second quarter and found the equaliser in the 22nd minute. Dilpreet Singh’s shot was saved by Raza, but Abhishek reacted quickly to score from the rebound.

Three minutes later, India went ahead from another penalty corner as Nilakanta reacted sharply to a rebound and struck through the goalkeeper’s legs. Raza kept Pakistan in the contest with saves from Jugraj Singh and Harmanpreet as India went into halftime leading 2-1.

Pakistan pushed forward in the third quarter, but the Indian defence held firm. Amit Rohidas made a crucial intervention to stop a dangerous two-on-one counterattack before India extended its lead in the 40th minute, with Abhishek setting up Sukhjeet for a composed finish.

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India made it 4-1 in the 52nd minute through a clever penalty-corner routine. Harmanpreet acted as the decoy before Rajinder fired past substitute goalkeeper Waqar.

Pakistan, however, fought back immediately. Captain Abu Mahmood scored from a penalty-corner flick in the 53rd minute before Moin Shakeel converted from a rebound with 14 seconds left.

India held its nerve in the closing seconds to complete a hard-fought win.

Published on Jun 23, 2026