Indian men’s hockey team clinched a hard-fought 3-2 win over New Zealand at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Stadium in Ipoh on Thursday.
Amit Rohidas (4’) opened the scoring with a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner. Captain Sanjay (32’) doubled India’s lead early in the second half, also converting from a penalty corner. Despite India’s solid defence and Pawan’s brilliance in goal, George Baker struck twice for New Zealand (42’, 48’) to keep the contest alive.
Selvam Karthi sealed the game for India in the 54th minute. New Zealand pressed relentlessly with penalty corners, but India held firm to ensure an exciting and well-deserved victory.