FIH Pro League: Wasteful India concede late goal to lose 2-3 against Netherlands; Abhishek plays 100th match
Amstelveen (The Netherlands):
A wasteful Indian men's hockey yet again conceded a late goal to lose 2-3 against the Olympic champions Netherlands, enduring their second consecutive defeat in the European leg of the FIH Pro League on Monday.
For India, Abhishek, playing his 100th match, scored in 20th minute, while Jugraj Singh converted his team's ninth penalty corner in 54th minute. The Netherlands scored through Thijs van Dam (24th), Tjep Hoedemakers (33rd) and Jip Janssen (57th).
India had earlier lost 1-2 against the Netherlands on Saturday.
India started on the front foot in the first quarter with as many as nine circle penetrations, but the goals eluded the visitors.
India had the first chance of the match in the sixth minute but Abhishek's shot went wide.
Soon, Shilanand Lakra snatched the ball in the midfield and raced his way into the Dutch circle only to shoot wide.
Tjep Hoedemakers got the first scoring opportunity for the Dutchmen but his reverse hit from a tight angle was off the target.
Minutes later, Hoedemakers got another chance but his deflection went wide.
The Indians secured the first penalty corner of the match in the 18th but the Dutch defended well to deny India skipper Harmanpreet Singh.
But two minutes later, Abhishek handed India the lead with a fierce shot to the top of the Dutch goal after being set up by Lakra.
India's joy, however, was short-lived as four minutes later Thijs van Dam found himself at the right place at the right time to level the scores after the ball, from Thierry Brinkman's pass, hit an Indian stick and popped up in front of the goal.
The Dutch dominated the early exchanges after the change of ends and took the lead three minutes into the third quarter through Hoedemakers, who neatly deflected in Derck de Vilder's pass.
Minutes later, Netherlands got their first penalty corner but the effort went wide.
Thereafter it was all India as they secured as many as six penalty corners in quick succession but Harmanpreet and Jugraj Singh failed to convert any of them.
The Indians were guilty of wasting chances, converting just one of the nine penalty corners they secured in the match.
Towards the end of the third quarter, India got as many as five penalty corners in quick succession but Harmanpreet and Jugraj failed to breach the Dutch defence.
In the 54th minute India got two more penalty corners, the second of which was converted by Jugraj to level the scores.
But as has often been the case, the Indians conceded another late goal when Janssen converted the Netherlands' second penalty corner three minutes from the hooter to seal the match.
India will next play Argentina on Wednesday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
Rollercoaster ride from local rinks to global podium: Skater boys from Gurgaon shine at Asian championships
Gurgaon: "Jab bacche chalna seekhte hai, inhone skating karni shuru kar di thi (the age at which kids learn how to walk, these two had started skating)," Suman Yadav said of her son Krish (17) and his friend Devansh Sharma (18). With the exception of different schools, Krish and Devansh have been inseparable since childhood. They'd go to practice together and hang out at each other's houses often. It was in 2019 that they stepped into the rink of competitive skating for the first time. The duo, who initially trained in speed skating but shifted to inline hockey due to infrastructure necessities, was selected for the National Sub-Junior Championship that year. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon The competition cemented their path. The big break came in 2023, when Krish and Devansh – together once again – were chosen to represent India's under 19 team in inline hockey at the 19th Asian Championship held in China. The team's last-place finish only fueled the teenagers' ambition, and years of practice and dedication paid off this week. The two, along with another Gurgaon resident Kaviin Raghav, were part of India's 16-member team that won the bronze for inline hockey at the 20th Asian Roller Skating Championships, held in South Korea's Jecheon this July. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain Keeping You Up at Night? This Trick Could Help Instantly Read More Undo "When we first wore the Indian jersey in 2023, it felt like a dream come true. This medal feels even more special because we came from a place of failure. We worked harder, and finally reached the podium," Devansh, still standing alongside Krish at his house in the city, told TOI. The Indian team, according to the teens, met its toughest opponent in Taiwan at the Asian Roller Skating Championships, but went on to win comfortably with a score of 3-1. The boys then defeated Iran and South Korea before being pitted against China in the match for a bronze. India led 2-1, but the opposition pressed hard. "Krish literally put his body on the line. He took several hits from the puck — he has bruises all over — but he didn't flinch. That medal was earned with blood and grit," Devansh said. Krish added, "This championship was a rollercoaster for all of us. We learned new things and made new friends. This championship was one of the best experiences I have had in my journey till now." Kaviin, the son of two electrical engineers who moved to Gurgaon from Tamil Nadu when he was only six months old, said he came into the mix later, but has been close to Devansh and Krish for a decade now. "We have been playing together for 10 years. They are like my brothers, and they really supported me throughout this journey. They have played in three internationals, and as it was my first international (competition), they helped me deal with nervousness and anxiety," he said. On the bronze medal, Kaviin said, "Representing the Indian national team was a proud moment for me. Not only for me, but for my family, my friends and my entire society." The journey to the international stage wasn't easy for either. "We began practising in basketball courts because there were no proper skating rinks… The first rink we trained at came up in Samaspur village, and later we moved to a better facility at Vivekanand School," Devansh said. Infrastructure wasn't easily available, but the skaters' families rallied behind them. Devansh's grandfather, Colonel RK Sharma (retd), was a constant presence. "He might skip a society meeting or a family function, but he never missed picking up Devansh from practice. He's like a coach, driver and biggest cheerleader -- all rolled into one," said a family friend. Col Sharma said Devansh's father is in the Merchant Navy and his mother works for a corporate firm in the city. "They (parents) are busy with work… I've seen Devansh and Krish's passion up close. I'm proud to support them however I can," the 75-year-old said. India's, and the team's performance in South Korea has enthused the local community, but it has also given them reason to appeal the govt for support. Families say they have spent Rs 5-6 lakh each on training camps, equipment, diets and travel — all from their own pockets. "There's zero financial aid, no infrastructure support and no acknowledgement from the state. These kids have the talent and the drive, but how long can families keep funding everything on their own," questioned Krish's father Narender Yadav, a businessman, said. Krish's mother Suman said the families had even protested outside the then-Haryana sports minister's house in 2019. "We were hopeful things would change with a new govt, but the silence continues," she said. Haryana's current sports minister did not respond to requests for comment till Sunday night. For now, the boys are back to their routines, training harder and dreaming bigger. "We don't want to stop here. We want to win the World Championships for India, maybe even the Olympics, if the sport is introduced someday," said Devansh. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Sophie Cunningham's mom reacts to US Olympic gender rule change triggered by Trump's executive order
Sophie Cunningham's mom reacts to US Olympic gender rule change triggered by Trump's executive order (Image via Getty) Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham's mother, Paula Cunningham, highlighted a significant rule change in American Olympic sports on Saturday, August 2, 2025. First published on July 22, 2025, on ABC News' headline regarding a new gender policy affecting the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, she shared an Instagram story. The article stated that Team USA would no longer permit transgender women to participate in women's categories at the Paralympic Games or Olympic Games. This decision follows a new rule from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), matching Donald Trump's order from February 2025. That order is called 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports.' Donald Trump's order leads to major policy shift across Olympic and college sports The rule now specifies that only those who are biologically female can attend events for women. Though Sophie Cunningham's mother didn't comment directly, her repost showed her support of this shift. Sophie Cunningham's mom reacts to US Olympic gender rule change triggered by Trump's executive order U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February 2025 requesting all schools, athletic leagues, and Olympic bodies to segregate male and female players. Only biological women are permitted to join women's teams and utilize women's restrooms according to the ordinance. Speaking about this at a rally later that month, Trump said, 'We will not allow men to beat up, injure, and cheat our women and girls.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo On Tuesday, July 29, USOPC President Gene Sykes said the committee had to follow the government's rule because it is a federally chartered body. Sykes said, 'We have an obligation to comply with federal expectations.' The change has already impacted college sports. On July 30, 2025, the University of Pennsylvania canceled records and awards that were earlier given to Lia Thomas, the first openly transgender NCAA swimmer. Natasha Cloud once called out Sophie Cunningham over political views Sophie Cunningham has never spoken openly about politics, but in the past, she shared a meme that made fun of Vice President Kamala Harris. That was during her time with the Phoenix Mercury. Her teammate back then, Natasha Cloud, responded by tweeting, 'I'm absolutely going to keep tweeting factual information and holding those around me accountable for posting dangerous misinformation.' Now, both players have moved on. Natasha Cloud plays for the New York Liberty, and Sophie Cunningham is part of the starting lineup for the Indiana Fever. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
HCL India Squash Tour 2025: Top seedings for Egypt's Yassine Shohadi, Noor Khafagi; Joshna, Nirupama withdraw; Rajasthan's Chhabi Saran in main draw
1 2 Jaipur: Egypt's Yassine Shohadi and Nour Khafagi have been given top seeding in the men's and women's categories, respectively in the first leg of the HCL India Squash Tour 2025 starting at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here on Monday under the joint aegis of the Squash Rackets Federation of India and HCL. Star Indian squash players Joshna Chinappa and Nirupama Dubey withdrew just a day before the start of the tournament, allowing Rajasthan's Chhabi Saran to enter the main draw. Squash Rackets Federation of India vice-president Surabhi Mishra said here on Sunday that Egypt's Yassine Shohadi has been given the top seed in the matches starting from Monday. Japan's Tomo Endo has got the second seed, Sri Lanka's Ravindu Laksiri has got the third seed and Malaysia's Darin Pragasus has got the fourth seed. Surabhi Mishra informed that Suraj Kumar Chand is the only Indian in the top 8 in the men's category, who has been given the sixth seed. India's Rahul Baitha, Aryaveer Diwan, Ayan Wazir Ali and Diwakar Singh will also challenge. Surabhi said that in the women's category too, Egypt's Noor Khafagi is the top seed. Egypt's Menna Waleed is second, Japan's Akari Midorikawa is third, while Malaysia's Go Zhi Xuan is the fourth seed. She said that among the top-8 Indian players, Tanvi Khanna has been seeded fifth, Anjali Semwal sixth, Shamina Riyaz seventh and Zenit Vidhi eighth. India has a total of 17 players in the women's main draw, including Sanvi Batra, Pooja Aarti, Aradhana Kasturi Raj, Anika Dubey, Tanishka Jain, Aradhana Paudwal, Sanya Bats and Unnati Tripathi. Surabhi Mishra said that squash has also been included in the Los Angeles Olympics to be held in 2028. Keeping this in mind, the Federation and HCL India have started the India Squash Tour. After Jaipur, the upcoming stages of the India Tour will be played in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Delhi. This will provide international competition to Indian players and help them prepare for the Olympic Games. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
