Maurits visser

FIH Hockey Pro League: The Indian men’s hockey team failed to capitalise on the lead provided by skipper Harmanpreet Singh and went down 1-2 to World No.1 the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Men’s) at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, on Saturday.

Captain and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh struck in the 19th minute to give India the lead in a fiercely contested battle. However, the Dutch fought back through a brace by Thijs van Dam (29’, 58’) and registered victory for the hosts in what was India’s first fixture of the Netherlands leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25.

India began the encounter on a strong note, dominating possession with crisp passing despite the Netherlands’ high press. While the first eight minutes didn't yield any real threats on goal from either side, India’s best opportunity of the day came when they won the ball in the Dutch circle. Dilpreet Singh’s reverse hit, however, was shut down at close range by goalkeeper Maurits Visser. At the other end, the Netherlands threatened late in the quarter as Thierry Brinkman approached the right flank, but the Indian defence stood firm to avert the danger.