Daijiworld Media Network- Antwerp

Antwerp, Feb 22: The Indian men's hockey team displayed resilience as they overcame an early setback to defeat Ireland 3-1 in their FIH Hockey pro league encounter on Friday.

India faced an early shock when Jeremy Duncan netted a field goal in the 8th minute, putting Ireland in the lead. However, the Harmanpreet Singh-led side bounced back strongly, with Mandeep Singh equalizing in the 22nd minute through a field goal.

The second half saw India dominate proceedings, as Jarmanpreet Singh (45th minute) and Sukhjeet Singh (58th minute) converted penalty corners, securing a convincing victory.

India will face Ireland again in the return leg on Saturday. Currently, the team is placed fifth in the standings, having secured nine points from five matches.

Meanwhile, the Indian women's hockey team suffered a 0-4 defeat to a dominant German side in their Pro League fixture.

Germany controlled the game from start to finish, with Amelie Wortmann scoring in the 3rd minute, followed by Sophia Schwabe’s brace (18th, 47th minute). Johanne Hachenberg added another in the 59th minute, converting a penalty corner.

Germany earned 10 penalty corners compared to India’s two, underlining their dominance.

India will face Germany again on Saturday. In the nine-team standings, India is currently seventh with six points from four games, while Germany sits in sixth place with seven points from six matches.