Bhubaneswar: The Indian junior men’s hockey team began its campaign in the 4 Nation Dusseldorf tournament with a thrilling 6-2 win over Spain on Friday.
In a remarkable turnaround, the Indian boys showed great character to shrug off a two-goal deficit and run over their opponents.
Odisha boys Sudeep Chirmako and Amandeep Lakra played their parts well, scoring 2 and 1, respectively.
Nicolas Alvarez gave Spain the lead with an opening-minute strike. Guiu Corominas made it 2-0 for Spain, eight minutes into the second quarter.
The Indian fightback started with Lakra pulling one back in the 25th minute off a penalty corner. Rohit converted another penalty corner three minutes later, as the teams went into the half-time break tied at 2-2.
After change of ends, it was all India as they scored 2 goals each in the third and final quarters.
Sudeep put India ahead for the first time with a 35th-minute field goal, and added another two minutes from the final hooter.
Rohit scored his second goal in the 45th minute, while Boby Singh Dhami (53rd) also got into the scoresheet.
India will face hosts Germany on August 19 and England on August 21.
