India’s men and women both registered important wins on June 18 as the senior men beat Germany 3-1 in Rotterdam while the women edged Uruguay 3-2 to finish top of Pool A at the FIH Women’s Nations Cup in New Zealand. In Rotterdam Manpreet Singh became India’s most capped player with his 413th appearance as the men produced a disciplined defensive display; in the women’s match Deepika scored twice and Deepika Soreng added a field goal as India sealed a third straight victory in the tournament and set up a June 20 semifinal clash.
In Rotterdam the Indian men controlled possession early and opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Mandeep Singh turned sharply and finished to make it 1-0. Shilanand Lakra doubled the lead before the end of the first quarter with a clinical strike past goalkeeper Alexander Stadler. Nilakanta Sharma extended India’s advantage to 3-0 in the 35th minute with a solo run and composed finish. Germany pulled one back through Raphael Hartkopf in the 45th minute, but despite late pressure and a final attack in the 59th minute the Indian defence held firm. Hardik Singh was named Player of the Match and defenders Amit Rohidas and goalkeeper Mohith played key roles in thwarting German penalty-corner chances.
The women’s team recovered from an early setback in New Zealand after Chiara Appennino gave Uruguay the lead from a penalty corner in the 13th minute. Deepika levelled from a penalty corner in the 24th minute, and Deepika Soreng put India ahead with a fine field goal in the 43rd minute. Uruguay’s skipper Manuela Vilar equalised in the 55th minute, but Deepika struck again a minute later to restore the lead and seal a 3-2 win. The victory completed a hat-trick of wins for India in Pool A, following earlier wins over the USA and Japan.
The women’s result sent USA through as Pool A runners-up and confirmed India’s semifinal opponent will be the winner of the Chile–Korea tie; India’s next match is scheduled for June 20. The contest also marked Neha’s 200th appearance for India, a milestone noted after the match.
Both results underline India’s growing consistency across senior men’s and women’s hockey: the men’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing in Rotterdam, and the women’s ability to respond quickly to adversity in New Zealand will be key as both sides progress in their respective competitions.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/06/19/fih-hockey-manpreet-enters-record-books-as-india-defeat-germany-3-1/
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Publish Date: 2026-06-19 02:46:00
