India Hold Firm To Beat Germany 3-1 In FIH Pro League

India beat Germany 3-1 in their second FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 Rotterdam leg match on Wednesday, with Hardik Singh named Player of the Match and Manpreet Singh becoming India’s most-capped player after passing Dilip Tirkey’s record of 412 caps in Rotterdam on June 18, 2026.

India make fast start

India controlled possession early and put Germany under pressure. Mandeep Singh scored in the 7th minute with a sharp turn in front of goal. Shilanand Lakra then struck in the 13th minute after beating German goalkeeper Alexander Stadler, giving India a 2-0 lead before halftime.

Germany changed their press in the second quarter and tried to move deeper into the Indian half, but the defence stayed firm. Germany won penalty corners in the 24th and 27th minutes, yet Amit Rohidas blocked the first dragflick and Mohith made a comfortable save on the second.

Sharma adds a third

India kept looking for another goal after the break and got it in the 35th minute. Nilakanta Sharma ran past German defenders on a solo move and finished to make it 3-0. Germany pulled one back through Raphael Hartkopf with 20 seconds left in the third quarter.

Late German pressure falls short

Germany pushed harder in the final quarter and tried to cut the gap, but India stayed calm. The team used counter-pressing and attacks through the wings to hold control. Germany won a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but India’s backline stood firm to seal the win.