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 8:04 PM IST
Half Time: India 2-1 Pakistan
India bounced back strongly in the second quarter, looking for more direct shots on Pakistan's goal to test their keeper, who initially kept them in the game.
After consistent pressure from India, Pakistan's defence looks a bit slow, giving India a chance to take long shots, which eventually resulted in a couple of goals from Abhishek and then Nilakanta Sharma.
However, India is yet to convert on penalty corners, despite having nine chances and will be hoping to improve in that aspect of the game in the second half.
- 23 Jun 2026 7:49 PM IST
23' Abhishek breaks India's deadlock with a beautiful finish in bottom corner
India 1-1 Pakistan
India outnumbered Pakistan on the counterattack, finding Dilpreet in a one-on-one position with the goalkeeper, but he couldn't convert, and then Abhishek made a later run to circle and find the net on a rebound shot.
- 23 Jun 2026 7:38 PM IST
End of First Quarter: India 0-1 Pakistan
India dominated the whole quarter but lacked quality in the final third, keeping them from scoring a goal.
On the other side, one defensive lapse and Pakistan takes full advantage, scoring a goal on a variation from penalty corner where unmarked Ahmad Nadeem chipped Suraj at the far side.
- 23 Jun 2026 7:35 PM IST
14' Four Consecutive Penalty Corners for India, but the score remains unchanged
India 0-1 Pakistan
A good defensive display from Pakistan to stop Harmanpreet Singh from scoring an equaliser.
