An incredible fightback saw India win a point from a thrilling 2-2 draw against the hosts Netherlands in the regulation time of the FIH Hockey Pro League match here on Saturday. It was goals by Dilpreet Singh (22`) and Harmanpreet Singh`s (60+) that helped India equalize on both occasions.&nbsp;However, the hosts added on bonus points from a 4-1 shootout win with their experienced goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak keeping the Indian attackers at bay.

Earlier in the game, the Netherlands backed by a boisterous home crowd got off to a flying start creating two excellent shots on goal within two minutes of the start of the match. But luckily for India, both shots were off target.

Around the 5th minute, India launched an ambitious attack through Hardik Singh who cut into the circle from the top, attempting to take a shot on goal but the Dutch goalie Pirmin Blaak cleared the ball. It was, however, the Netherlands who fetched the first goal of the match when Derck de Vilder beat Indian defender Varun Kumar to find Tijmen Reyenga.

With no defender near him, Reyenga (10`) took his time to take a successful shot past experienced India custodian Sreejesh to take a 1-0 lead. Only seconds later, India fought back with Mandeep Singh creating a fine opportunity with a tactically earned PC.

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While Harmanpreet Singh`s first shot was blocked, and a retake was awarded, a goal by Mandeep Singh off a rebound from the drag-flick in the second attempt was disallowed by the umpire on account of dangerous play. It continued to be an action-packed first quarter with India building on the intensity in their attack.

This time, it was Abhishek challenging Blaak at the goal post, resulting in a PC but Jugraj Singh`s flick was well-defended well by Blaak. With the Netherlands leading 1-0, Sreejesh`s inspired form was put to test once again in the second quarter when the hosts attacked the Indian post with back-to-back shots on goal through youngster Koen Bijen and Jorrit Croon, but an alert Sreejesh kept them at bay.

Meanwhile, Indian attackers broke the deadlock when a free-hit taken by Varun Kumar was cleverly passed to Dilpreet Singh, positioned perfectly inside the circle who just angled the deflection into the Netherlands` post. With the scores levelled, India mounted pressure in the Dutch half but couldn`t score from it.

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Seven minutes into the third quarter, Jasper Brinkman worked a good attack to help his team win a PC. But the drag-flick was well defended by Sreejesh. A re-take awarded for dangerous play gave the hosts another chance at regaining the lead but a mix-up in the execution denied them a chance on goal.

India too won a PC later in the third quarter through good stick work by Hardik but a poor execution of the set-piece denied India a chance at taking the 2-1 lead. With both teams tied at 1-1, the final quarter promised to be nail-biting with a fast-paced game being played out.

Netherlands eventually managed to strike in the 47th minute when a good assist by Stejin van Heijningen was picked up well by Koen Bijen who beat defender Surender Kumar to score a splendid field goal for the Dutch, taking the scoreline to 2-1. India, not the team to give up till the final hooter, came up with some exciting play as they pushed the ante in their attack.

After some unsuccessful moves, and time quickly ticking away, Vivek Sagar Prasad created a much-needed chance for India with just two seconds left for the final hooter. The PC was perfectly executed with Harmanpreet, the highest goal-scorer of the Pro League, scoring on the buzzer to take the match into the shootout.

On 19th June, the Indian men`s hockey team will take on Netherlands in the second of the double header at 2000 hrs IST in Rotterdam.&nbsp;

An incredible fightback saw India win a point from a thrilling 2-2 draw against the hosts Netherlands in the regulation time of the FIH Hockey Pro League match here on Saturday.

An incredible fightback saw India win a point from a thrilling 2-2 draw against the hosts Netherlands in the regulation time of the FIH Hockey Pro League match here on Saturday. It was goals by Dilpreet Singh (22`) and Harmanpreet Singh`s (60+) that helped India equalize on both occasions. However, the hosts added on bonus points from a 4-1 shootout win with their experienced goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak keeping the Indian attackers at bay. Earlier in the game, the Netherlands backed by a boisterous home crowd got off to a flying start creating two excellent shots on goal within two minutes of the start of the match. But luckily for India, both shots were off target. Around the 5th minute, India launched an ambitious attack through Hardik Singh who cut into the circle from the top, attempting to take a shot on goal but the Dutch goalie Pirmin Blaak cleared the ball. It was, however, the Netherlands who fetched the first goal of the match when Derck de Vilder beat Indian defender Varun Kumar to find Tijmen Reyenga. With no defender near him, Reyenga (10`) took his time to take a successful shot past experienced India custodian Sreejesh to take a 1-0 lead. Only seconds later, India fought back with Mandeep Singh creating a fine opportunity with a tactically earned PC. Also Read: Neeraj Chopra wins gold medal in Kuortane Games, his first since Tokyo Olympics While Harmanpreet Singh`s first shot was blocked, and a retake was awarded, a goal by Mandeep Singh off a rebound from the drag-flick in the second attempt was disallowed by the umpire on account of dangerous play. It continued to be an action-packed first quarter with India building on the intensity in their attack. This time, it was Abhishek challenging Blaak at the goal post, resulting in a PC but Jugraj Singh`s flick was well-defended well by Blaak. With the Netherlands leading 1-0, Sreejesh`s inspired form was put to test once again in the second quarter when the hosts attacked the Indian post with back-to-back shots on goal through youngster Koen Bijen and Jorrit Croon, but an alert Sreejesh kept them at bay. Meanwhile, Indian attackers broke the deadlock when a free-hit taken by Varun Kumar was cleverly passed to Dilpreet Singh, positioned perfectly inside the circle who just angled the deflection into the Netherlands` post. With the scores levelled, India mounted pressure in the Dutch half but couldn`t score from it. Also Read: Should be mandatory for every IPL franchise to have a women's team: Lalit Modi Seven minutes into the third quarter, Jasper Brinkman worked a good attack to help his team win a PC. But the drag-flick was well defended by Sreejesh. A re-take awarded for dangerous play gave the hosts another chance at regaining the lead but a mix-up in the execution denied them a chance on goal. India too won a PC later in the third quarter through good stick work by Hardik but a poor execution of the set-piece denied India a chance at taking the 2-1 lead. With both teams tied at 1-1, the final quarter promised to be nail-biting with a fast-paced game being played out. Netherlands eventually managed to strike in the 47th minute when a good assist by Stejin van Heijningen was picked up well by Koen Bijen who beat defender Surender Kumar to score a splendid field goal for the Dutch, taking the scoreline to 2-1. India, not the team to give up till the final hooter, came up with some exciting play as they pushed the ante in their attack. After some unsuccessful moves, and time quickly ticking away, Vivek Sagar Prasad created a much-needed chance for India with just two seconds left for the final hooter. The PC was perfectly executed with Harmanpreet, the highest goal-scorer of the Pro League, scoring on the buzzer to take the match into the shootout. On 19th June, the Indian men`s hockey team will take on Netherlands in the second of the double header at 2000 hrs IST in Rotterdam.

Resilient Indian men's hockey team hold Netherlands 2-2, but lose 1-4 in shootout

The Indian men's badminton team started its campaign in the Thomas Cup mens team competition with a commanding 5-0 win against the Netherlands in a Group C encounter. 
 
With the team returning to full strength with the return of the top doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and Kidambi Srikanth back to form following a few disappointments in the Sudirman Cup, India cruised to victory on Sunday night.

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Kidambi Srikanth set the ball rolling by handing Joran Kweekel a 21-12, 21-14 defeat in the match played on Sunday night. 
 
Rankireddy and Shetty then took to the court and made the score 2-0 with a 21-19, 21-12 win against Ruben Jille and Ties van der Lecq of the Netherlands. 
 
B Sai Praneeth then sealed victory for India by beating Robin Mesman 21-4, 21-12.` 
 
India's second doubles pair of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila, which had a couple of good outings in the recent Sudirman Cup, made it 4-0 with a 21-12, 21-13 win against Andy Buijk and Brian Wassink of the Netherlands before Sameer Verma completed the clean sweep by beating Gijs Duijs 21-6, 21-11.

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India are in Group C with China, the Netherlands and Tahiti as their opponents. The top two teams will qualify for the knockout rounds of the 16-team competition. 
 
China too had started with a 5-0 rout of Tahiti on Sunday night.

The Indian men's badminton team started its campaign in the Thomas Cup mens team competition with a commanding 5-0 win against the Netherlands in a Group C encounter.

The Indian men's badminton team started its campaign in the Thomas Cup mens team competition with a commanding 5-0 win against the Netherlands in a Group C encounter. With the team returning to full strength with the return of the top doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and Kidambi Srikanth back to form following a few disappointments in the Sudirman Cup, India cruised to victory on Sunday night. ALSO READ: Uber Cup: Saina Nehwal retires with injury against Spain Kidambi Srikanth set the ball rolling by handing Joran Kweekel a 21-12, 21-14 defeat in the match played on Sunday night. Rankireddy and Shetty then took to the court and made the score 2-0 with a 21-19, 21-12 win against Ruben Jille and Ties van der Lecq of the Netherlands. B Sai Praneeth then sealed victory for India by beating Robin Mesman 21-4, 21-12.` India's second doubles pair of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila, which had a couple of good outings in the recent Sudirman Cup, made it 4-0 with a 21-12, 21-13 win against Andy Buijk and Brian Wassink of the Netherlands before Sameer Verma completed the clean sweep by beating Gijs Duijs 21-6, 21-11. ALSO READ: Uber Cup 2021: Resilient India defeat Spain by 3-2 India are in Group C with China, the Netherlands and Tahiti as their opponents. The top two teams will qualify for the knockout rounds of the 16-team competition. China too had started with a 5-0 rout of Tahiti on Sunday night.

Thomas Cup: India blank Netherlands 5-0 in the opener

Standing on the verge of creating history, Indian hockey coach Harendra Singh said his team is ready to take on any challenge thrown by the Netherlands in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/hockey-world-cup">World Cup</a> quarter-final here.&nbsp;

World number five India are set to take on Netherlands in the last quarter-final on Thursday, and Harendra said they have left no stones unturned and their preparation for the crucial clash are spot on.&nbsp;

"Hoga to wahi jo hum chahenge (Eventually, it is what we want that is going to happen)," Harendra declared when asked about Thursday's vital encounter.&nbsp;

"We want what 1.3 billion people want. Indian team is mentally and physically ready. We have done our homework on Dutch aggression.&nbsp;

Whatever challenge they throw, we are ready to solve that, not just accept it," he added.&nbsp;

India has never defeated Netherlands in the history of the World Cup, but Harendra refused to dwell on the past.&nbsp;

"History is only to read, not to understand," he quipped.&nbsp;

"They (Netherlands) have come prepared, Every team comes to win.&nbsp;

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Goalkeeper <a href="https://twitter.com/16Sreejesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@16Sreejesh</a> says his experience dictates that the team should not dwell on past setbacks, but instead look forward and continue to perform as they have at the OHMWC Bhubaneswar 2018.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilHockey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DilHockey</a> <a href="https://t.co/beFtFmXSRe">pic.twitter.com/beFtFmXSRe</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1072822156159987714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian team has made history in the last six months. You have to face every team, it is the&nbsp;World cup. You are bound to play the top team," he added.&nbsp;

Harendra said it will be an equal contest on Thursday and whoever takes their chances will come out winners.&nbsp;

"We won't do anything different. There are some minor adjustments.&nbsp;

They love to play attacking hockey, so do India. It is an equal contest. In tomorrow's match, you can't afford to miss even 25 per cent chances," he said.&nbsp;

Harendra said penalty corner conversions is an area of concern for the Netherlands which they will try to explore.&nbsp;

"When we analyse a match, we study grey areas of the opponents. Penalty corners is their grey area. We don't ignore Holland outright.&nbsp;

From 1971 to 2018, their base of hockey is penalty corners. We can't ignore that. India is ready to solve that challenge," he said.&nbsp;

It is expected to be a full house on Thursday at the Kalinga Stadium like any other India match, and Harendra said "crowd support" will provide India extra motivation to go for the kill.&nbsp;

"I think they are forgetting that whenever the crowd is behind us, it becomes 12th man, extra energy. As a coach I like that," he said.&nbsp;

"There is no chance that opponents can easily sit on their back. I think it's not pressured, it's your thought how you enjoy it. So far in any tournament, not just the World Cup, we have learned how to go with the crowd. We are enjoying."&nbsp;

Harendra said India cannot afford to drop their intensity at any point of time during the match.&nbsp;

"I agree that we have dropped our intensity during the course of a game, which we cannot afford against a team like Holland," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I have told them to keep that intensity not just for 60 minutes but 74 minutes, including half-time and quarter-breaks. We have discussed and they have agreed."&nbsp;&nbsp;

India captain Manpreet Singh said they are determined to create a history.&nbsp;

"If you talk about Olympics it was two years ago. The team has improved, especially since Harry sir (Harendra) has come. We are playing attacking hockey. We want to change history. The focus is that we don't leave out even the 50:50 chances."

Standing on the verge of creating history, Indian hockey coach Harendra Singh said his team is ready to take on any challenge thrown by the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-final here.

Standing on the verge of creating history, Indian hockey coach Harendra Singh said his team is ready to take on any challenge thrown by the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-final here. World number five India are set to take on Netherlands in the last quarter-final on Thursday, and Harendra said they have left no stones unturned and their preparation for the crucial clash are spot on. "Hoga to wahi jo hum chahenge (Eventually, it is what we want that is going to happen)," Harendra declared when asked about Thursday's vital encounter. "We want what 1.3 billion people want. Indian team is mentally and physically ready. We have done our homework on Dutch aggression. Whatever challenge they throw, we are ready to solve that, not just accept it," he added. India has never defeated Netherlands in the history of the World Cup, but Harendra refused to dwell on the past. "History is only to read, not to understand," he quipped. "They (Netherlands) have come prepared, Every team comes to win. Goalkeeper @16Sreejesh says his experience dictates that the team should not dwell on past setbacks, but instead look forward and continue to perform as they have at the OHMWC Bhubaneswar 2018.#IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/beFtFmXSRe — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 12, 2018 × Indian team has made history in the last six months. You have to face every team, it is the World cup. You are bound to play the top team," he added. Harendra said it will be an equal contest on Thursday and whoever takes their chances will come out winners. "We won't do anything different. There are some minor adjustments. They love to play attacking hockey, so do India. It is an equal contest. In tomorrow's match, you can't afford to miss even 25 per cent chances," he said. Harendra said penalty corner conversions is an area of concern for the Netherlands which they will try to explore. "When we analyse a match, we study grey areas of the opponents. Penalty corners is their grey area. We don't ignore Holland outright. From 1971 to 2018, their base of hockey is penalty corners. We can't ignore that. India is ready to solve that challenge," he said. It is expected to be a full house on Thursday at the Kalinga Stadium like any other India match, and Harendra said "crowd support" will provide India extra motivation to go for the kill. "I think they are forgetting that whenever the crowd is behind us, it becomes 12th man, extra energy. As a coach I like that," he said. "There is no chance that opponents can easily sit on their back. I think it's not pressured, it's your thought how you enjoy it. So far in any tournament, not just the World Cup, we have learned how to go with the crowd. We are enjoying." Harendra said India cannot afford to drop their intensity at any point of time during the match. "I agree that we have dropped our intensity during the course of a game, which we cannot afford against a team like Holland," he said. "I have told them to keep that intensity not just for 60 minutes but 74 minutes, including half-time and quarter-breaks. We have discussed and they have agreed." India captain Manpreet Singh said they are determined to create a history. "If you talk about Olympics it was two years ago. The team has improved, especially since Harry sir (Harendra) has come. We are playing attacking hockey. We want to change history. The focus is that we don't leave out even the 50:50 chances."

Hockey World Cup: India vs Netherlands an 'equal contest,' says coach Harendra Singh

India crash out of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 after losing to the Netherlands in the quarter-final on Thursday at Kalinga Stadium and&nbsp;let history slip out of its hands.

The Dutch outplayed the hosts and defeated them 2-1 in a high-octane and neck-to-neck match.

The Netherlands will play against defending champions Australia in the semi-finals to a place in the finals.

The last time India won the world cup was in 1975.

Despite losing, Surender Kumar was given Player of the Match award for his splendid tactics.

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🏑 | POTM | Surender Kumar | <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheHockeyIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HWC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HWC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha2018</a> 
🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNED?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNED</a> 🇳🇱 <a href="https://t.co/Bqknzk4ybM">pic.twitter.com/Bqknzk4ybM</a>
— Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sports_odisha/status/1073235185301258240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India started on a high as Akashdeep Singh scored the first goal in the 12th minute to give India a 1-0 lead against the Dutch.

However, the gain was equalised within three minutes by Thierry Brinkman in the first quarter.

The crucial game entered in the fourth and final quarter with a 1-1 score but The Dutch came out with a plan in the fourth quarter and didn't give India any leeway into their citadel.

Mink van der Weerden scored in the 50th minute and claimed the lead through a Penalty Corner which proved decisive in the game.

The defeat ended India's long cherished dream of lifting the trophy only for the second time after its lone triumph in 1975 at Kuala Lumpur.

In search of a match-saving goal, India withdraw goalkeeper Sreejesh for an extra player but the move didn't pay any dividend.&nbsp;

Two minutes from time, Netherlands secured another penalty corner but the Indian defence, without a goalkeeper, did well to keep Netherlands at bay.&nbsp;

The hosts failed to get the equaliser as the packed stadium backed the Men in Blue until the very last second only to return home disappointed.&nbsp;

Netherlands will take on two-time defending champion Australia while Belgium will take on England on Saturday.

India crash out of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 after losing to the Netherlands in the quarter-final on Thursday at Kalinga Stadium and let history slip out of its hands.

India crash out of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 after losing to the Netherlands in the quarter-final on Thursday at Kalinga Stadium and let history slip out of its hands. The Dutch outplayed the hosts and defeated them 2-1 in a high-octane and neck-to-neck match. The Netherlands will play against defending champions Australia in the semi-finals to a place in the finals. The last time India won the world cup was in 1975. Despite losing, Surender Kumar was given Player of the Match award for his splendid tactics. 🏑 | POTM | Surender Kumar | @TheHockeyIndia #HWC2018 #Odisha2018 🇮🇳 #INDvNED 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/Bqknzk4ybM — Hockey World Cup 2018 - Host Partner (@sports_odisha) December 13, 2018 × India started on a high as Akashdeep Singh scored the first goal in the 12th minute to give India a 1-0 lead against the Dutch. However, the gain was equalised within three minutes by Thierry Brinkman in the first quarter. The crucial game entered in the fourth and final quarter with a 1-1 score but The Dutch came out with a plan in the fourth quarter and didn't give India any leeway into their citadel. Mink van der Weerden scored in the 50th minute and claimed the lead through a Penalty Corner which proved decisive in the game. The defeat ended India's long cherished dream of lifting the trophy only for the second time after its lone triumph in 1975 at Kuala Lumpur. In search of a match-saving goal, India withdraw goalkeeper Sreejesh for an extra player but the move didn't pay any dividend. Two minutes from time, Netherlands secured another penalty corner but the Indian defence, without a goalkeeper, did well to keep Netherlands at bay. The hosts failed to get the equaliser as the packed stadium backed the Men in Blue until the very last second only to return home disappointed. Netherlands will take on two-time defending champion Australia while Belgium will take on England on Saturday.

Hockey World Cup 2018: India crash out after losing to Netherlands in quarter-final