India Stun World Champions Germany 3-1 in Pro League; Manpreet Sets New Caps Record

Score: India 3 (Mandeep Singh 7’, Shilanand Lakra 13’, Nilakanta Sharma 35’) beat Germany 1 (Raphael Hartkopf 45’)

Rotterdam, June 2026 : The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a commanding all-round performance to register a memorable 3-1 victory over reigning world champions Germany men’s national field hockey team in their second match of the Rotterdam leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 on Wednesday.

The impressive win was powered by goals from Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra and Nilakanta Sharma, while a disciplined defensive effort ensured that Germany were largely kept at bay throughout the contest.

The match also proved historic for veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, who surpassed former captain and current Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey to become the most-capped Indian hockey player in history. Manpreet’s appearance marked his 413th international match, taking him beyond Tirkey’s long-standing record of 412 caps.

With 413 appearances, Manpreet now ranks fifth on the all-time list of most-capped male international hockey players, behind Belgium’s John-John Dohmen, Dutch legend Teun de Nooijer, Australia’s Eddie Ockenden and Great Britain’s Barry Middleton.

India made an aggressive start and quickly established control through superior possession and swift passing. Their early dominance paid dividends in the seventh minute when Mandeep displayed excellent composure inside the circle, turning sharply before firing home to hand India a 1-0 lead.

The pressure continued to mount on the German defence, and India doubled their advantage in the 13th minute. Lakra produced a clinical finish, beating goalkeeper Alexander Stadler with a powerful strike to make it 2-0 before the end of the opening quarter.

Germany attempted to fight back in the second quarter by pressing higher up the field and spending more time in the Indian half. However, India’s defensive unit remained organised and resolute. Germany earned their first penalty corner in the 24th minute, but defender Amit Rohidas made a crucial block to deny the drag flick.

The Europeans received another penalty-corner opportunity three minutes later following sustained attacking pressure, but goalkeeper Mohith produced a comfortable save, ensuring India carried their two-goal advantage into halftime.

India continued to attack with purpose after the break and extended their lead in spectacular fashion during the third quarter. Nilakanta Sharma embarked on a brilliant solo run in the 35th minute, weaving past defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the net to make it 3-0.

Germany responded with increased urgency and finally found a breakthrough just before the end of the third quarter. Raphael Hartkopf converted an opportunity in the 45th minute to reduce the deficit to 3-1 and give the world champions renewed hope.

The final quarter saw Germany throw numbers forward in search of a comeback, but India maintained their composure. Their counter-pressing game disrupted Germany’s rhythm, while the defence absorbed pressure effectively.

Germany launched one final assault in the closing moments and won a penalty corner in the 59th minute. However, the Indian backline stood firm once again, successfully defending the set-piece and preserving the two-goal cushion.

Midfielder Hardik Singh was named Player of the Match for his influential display in midfield, controlling the tempo and linking defence with attack. The victory not only showcased India’s growing confidence against elite opposition but also provided a fitting backdrop to Manpreet Singh’s record-breaking milestone, making it a memorable day for Indian hockey in Rotterdam.