The Indian men’s hockey team drew 1-1 with Britain in their third match of the European exposure tour in Antwerp, Belgium, on Saturday. After Alan Forsyth had put Britain ahead, striker Simranjeet Singh equalised in the 57th minute.
India, fielding a side minus some of the regular seniors, dominated with ball possession early in the match. Britain’s first big opportunity came in the 10th minute when they earned a penalty corner. However, seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made an excellent save. Though both teams created a number of opportunities in the first quarter, no goals were scored.
In the second quarter, Britain showed more aggression. With Krishan B Pathak replacing Sreejesh, the young custodian made an outstanding save. India did create potential opportunities inside the rival circle but couldn’t convert. Alan Forsyth’s strike helped Britain break the deadlock.
A dominating start to the third quarter saw Britain earning back-to-back penalties, but India managed to nullify the threat. Vying for an equaliser, India penetrated twice inside Britain’s striking circle but couldn’t make the most out of it.
In their bid to score an equaliser, World No. 4 India went all out in the attack, penetrating as many as three times of the last quarter. No goals came. The equaliser came in the 57th minute through Simranjeet.
India will play their last match against Britain on Monday. The tour is being treated as a build-up for the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to start on July 23.