s2h team
Indian hockey fans had multiple reasons to celebrate on Wednesday as the men’s team registered its first regulation-time victory of the ongoing FIH Pro League season, while veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh created history by becoming India’s most-capped international player. Thousands of kilometres away in New Zealand, the Indian women’s team also added to the cheer by securing its third victory in the FIH Nations Cup.
Manreet Singh 413 on 17th June 2026
The spotlight, however, was firmly on the Indian men’s team, which produced a commanding display to defeat Germany 3-1 in Rotterdam. The victory came in India’s 10th match of the Pro League campaign and marked the team’s maiden win in regulation time this season.
India seized the initiative early and never allowed the Germans to settle into the contest. The breakthrough came in the seventh minute when experienced forward Mandeep Singh found the target with a well-taken field goal. It was Mandeep’s first goal of the current Pro League season, a timely contribution from one of India’s most dependable attackers.
Buoyed by the early lead, India continued to press forward and doubled the advantage in the 13th minute. Youngster Shilanand Lakar capped a promising move with a field goal, giving India a comfortable 2-0 cushion and putting Germany under considerable pressure.
The Indians maintained their intensity after the interval and further strengthened their grip on the match in the 35th minute. Nilakanta Sharma added the third goal with another field effort, finishing off a flowing attacking move to make it 3-0.
Germany managed to reduce the deficit through H. Raphael in the 45th minute, but the goal proved little more than a consolation as India remained firmly in control. The defence held its shape effectively in the closing stages, ensuring there was no dramatic comeback and securing a deserved 3-1 victory.
Beyond the result, the evening carried special significance for Manpreet Singh. The former captain, who recently returned to the national side, achieved another remarkable milestone in an already illustrious career by becoming the most-capped player in the history of Indian hockey. The achievement underlined his longevity, consistency and immense contribution to Indian hockey over the years.
India’s performance against Germany reflected a team playing with confidence and purpose. The attack looked sharper, the midfield controlled possession for long periods, and the defence coped well with the German challenge. The victory will also provide a timely morale boost as India looks to build momentum during the European leg of the Pro League.
For Indian hockey supporters, Wednesday turned out to be a memorable day. Mandeep Singh ended his goal drought for the season, Manpreet Singh etched his name even deeper into the record books, the men’s team finally broke through for its first regulation-time win of the campaign, and the women’s team continued its impressive run in the Nations Cup.
Few days in recent Indian hockey history have combined so many positives at once, making it a day that fans across the country will cherish.