Bhubaneshwar, June 11: After an impressive 10-0 win against Russia in the inaugural match, World No. 5 Indian Men’s Hockey Team yesterday beat World No. 43 Uzbekistan with the same lead thereby ensuring its place in the semi-final of the ongoing FIH hockey series at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
India registered a third consecutive win in the series in the Pool A Match. The ‘Man of the Match’ Akashdweep singh made a hat-trick by scoring goals in 11th, 26th, and 53rd minute respectively. Skipper Mandeep Singh and Varun Kumar netted two goals each whereas Amit Rohidas, Nilkanta Sharma and Gursahibjit Singh scored one goal each. Varun Kumar scored the first goal for India in the fourth minute of the first quarter by brilliantly drag-flicking the ball. It was a one-way traffic at the Kalinga stadium throughout the match as Uzbekistan could not able to score a single goal. With this victory, India has qualified for the semifinals along with the USA. Uzbekistan and Mexico will play for 7th place in the overall standings. In the other match, South Africa defeated Mexico 6-0.