India edged out 3-2 by Netherlands in thrilling Pro League clash

India remains fourth in the Pro League standings with 15 points from 10 matches. Their next challenge is against Argentina on Wednesday

Amstelveen: The Indian men’s hockey team put up a strong fight but ultimately fell 3-2 to the Netherlands in a gripping FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 encounter at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Tuesday.

Match Summary:
India: Abhishek (20′), Jugraj Singh (54′)
Netherlands: Thijs van Dam (24’), Tjep Hoedemakers (33’), Jip Janssen (57’)

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India started brightly, controlling possession and creating early chances. Abhishek came close in the 6th minute, narrowly missing the target. The Netherlands countered, but India’s defense held firm, resulting in a goalless opening period.

India continued their composed play and broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Forward Abhishek, celebrating his 100th international cap, finished clinically after a great pass from Shilanand Lakra. However, the lead was short-lived. Dutch captain Thierry Brinkman set up Thijs van Dam just four minutes later (24′) to level the score at 1-1 going into halftime.

The Netherlands intensified their press after the break, disrupting India’s rhythm. Their aggression paid off in the 33rd minute when Floris Wortelboer’s cross found Tjep Hoedemakers, who tapped the ball past goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak for a 2-1 lead. India earned several penalty corners in response but couldn’t convert.

India pushed hard for an equalizer in the final quarter. Abhishek nearly scored again, hitting the side netting. The pressure finally told when Jugraj Singh converted India’s fourth penalty corner powerfully in the 54th minute to make it 2-2. Minutes later, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay had a golden chance to put India ahead but was denied by Dutch keeper Maurits Visser in a one-on-one. The Netherlands capitalized on this reprieve, earning a late penalty corner which Jip Janssen converted decisively in the 57th minute to secure a 3-2 victory for the hosts.

The match marked the 100th international appearance for Indian forward Abhishek. Since his debut in 2022, the 25-year-old (who scored India’s first goal) has become a vital part of the attack, netting 39 goals and contributing significantly to major successes like the Asian Champions Trophy Gold (2024), Olympic Bronze (Paris 2024), Commonwealth Games Silver (2022), and Asian Games Gold (2022).

With this result, India remains fourth in the Pro League standings with 15 points from 10 matches. Their next challenge is against Argentina on Wednesday.