Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (UNI) The Indian men’s hockey team began its FIH Pro League 2024-25 campaign with a 1-3 defeat to Spain at the Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday.
Sukhjeet Singh netted the lone goal for world No. 5 India, while Borja Lacalle (28'), Ignacio Cobos (38') and Bruno Avila (56') found the target for the eighth-ranked Spanish outfit.
India started aggressively and earned an early penalty corner in the third minute, but Jugraj Singh's drag-flick was well intercepted by Spain’s first rusher.
The hosts had another chance to take the lead in the 14th minute when a well-directed pass by Abhishek found Lalit Upadhyay, who made a skilful run but failed to convert.
Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera replaced Krishan Pathak in the second quarter, as India pressed forward. Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh spearheaded the attack, creating multiple chances. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Sukhjeet latched onto a pass from Jarmanpreet Singh, recovered from a missed trap, and fired a reverse hit into the net.
India immediately won another penalty corner but failed to capitalise. Spain levelled proceedings in the 28th minute through Borja Lacalle, ensuring both teams went into half-time locked at 1-1.
Spain piled on the pressure in the third quarter, forcing Krishan Pathak into multiple saves. They earned back-to-back penalty corners in the 33rd and 35th minutes but were denied by the Indian defence. However, Ignacio Cobos put Spain ahead in the 38th minute, converting a penalty corner with precision.
Spain continued their dominance in the final quarter and sealed the contest in the 56th minute when Bruno Avila’s drag-flick beat the Indian defence, marking his maiden international goal.
India will have an opportunity to make amends when they face Spain again in their next FIH Pro League fixture on Sunday.
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