Hockey
FIH Pro League 2026: India beat Pakistan in London Leg opener -Highlights
Catch all the highlights from India's first match of the London Leg against Pakistan on Tuesday.
Indian players celebrate a goal against World Champions Germany in Rotterdam. (Photo credit: Hockey India)
FIH Men's Hockey Pro League:
The Indian men's hockey team survived a late scare to register a thrilling 4-3 victory over Pakistan in their opening match of the London leg of the 2025-26 FIH Pro League on Tuesday.
Despite dominating much of the contest, India found themselves trailing at the end of the first quarter after Ahmad Nadeem converted a penalty corner against the run of play. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side, however, responded strongly in the second quarter.
Abhishek restored parity in the 23rd minute, capitalising on a rebound after India outnumbered Pakistan on a counterattack. Just a minute later, Nilakanta Sharma put India ahead with a well-taken finish, handing the side a 2-1 lead at half-time.
India continued to dictate proceedings after the break and extended their advantage through Sukhjeet Singh, who finished off a brilliant attacking move in the 40th minute. Rajinder then added a fourth goal from a penalty corner in the final quarter to seemingly put the contest beyond Pakistan's reach.
Pakistan, however, refused to give up. Abu pulled one back in the closing stages before the visitors added another goal in the final minute to set up a nervy finish.
India ultimately held firm to seal all three points and register their third win of the season.
Highlights:
Live Updates
- 23 Jun 2026 8:59 PM IST
60' Full Time: India 4-3 Pakistan!
The final whistle blows, and India emerge victorious in a thrilling contest, defeating Pakistan 4-3 in the FIH Pro League.
India looked in control for much of the second half after building a 4-1 lead through an impressive attacking display. However, Pakistan mounted a late fightback, scoring twice in the closing minutes, including a last-minute third goal, to make for a tense finish.
Despite the late pressure, India held on to secure all three points and cap off an entertaining encounter in London.
India 4-3 Pakistan
- 23 Jun 2026 8:48 PM IST
53' GOAL! PAKISTAN PULL ONE BACK
Pakistan have reduced the deficit through Abu, who finds the back of the net to give his side a glimmer of hope in the closing stages of the match.
India 4-2 Pakistan
- 23 Jun 2026 8:46 PM IST
52' GOAL! INDIA ALL BUT SEAL THE CONTEST!
India have struck once again, and this could be the goal that puts the result beyond doubt. India win a penalty corner, and Rajinder steps up to convert, finding the back of the net with a clinical finish.
The goal caps off a dominant second-half display from India, who have continued to pile pressure on the Pakistan defence and make their chances count.
With just minutes remaining, India are in complete control of the contest.
India 4-1 Pakistan
- 23 Jun 2026 8:44 PM IST
50' Pakistan win consecutive penalty corners!
Pakistan earn a penalty corner as they look to reduce the deficit and put India under pressure in the final quarter. The initial attempt leads to another penalty corner, giving them a second bite at the cherry.
However, India remain resolute at the back and successfully clear the danger, denying Pakistan a crucial goal-scoring opportunity.
India 3-1 Pakistan
- 23 Jun 2026 8:34 PM IST
46' Back underway for the final quarter
The fourth and final quarter is now underway, with India holding a commanding 3-1 lead over Pakistan.
- 23 Jun 2026 8:30 PM IST
45' End of third quarter!
The third quarter comes to a close with India firmly in control of proceedings. Sukhjeet's well-taken field goal in the 40th minute has given the hosts a two-goal cushion heading into the final quarter.
Pakistan have enjoyed spells of possession but have struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, while India have looked the more threatening side going forward.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, India are within touching distance of a crucial victory, though Pakistan still have time to mount a comeback.
India 3-1 Pakistan
- 23 Jun 2026 8:22 PM IST
40' GOAL! INDIA EXTEND THEIR LEAD!
India have struck again, and it's a superb field goal to give them breathing room in the contest. A brilliant piece of play to set up Sukhjeet, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
The move showcased India's attacking quality, with quick passing and sharp movement opening up the Pakistan defence before Sukhjeet applied the finishing touch.
India are now firmly in control as they move two goals clear.
India 3-1 Pakistan
- 23 Jun 2026 8:18 PM IST
37' End-to-end action!
Both India and Pakistan have shown attacking intent since the restart, with play flowing from one end of the field to the other. However, neither side has been able to carve out a clear scoring opportunity, as the defences continue to hold firm.
India remains in control of the scoreline, while Pakistan continue to search for a way back into the contest.
India 2-1 Pakistan
- 23 Jun 2026 8:11 PM IST
30' Second half begins!
The second half is underway, with India holding a slender 2-1 advantage over Pakistan. After an action-packed opening period that produced three goals, both sides will be looking to make a strong start to the final 30 minutes.
India will aim to protect their lead and extend their advantage, while Pakistan will be desperate to find an equaliser and swing the momentum back in their favour.
India 2-1 Pakistan
