On the opening day of 2018 Men's Hockey World Cup, two Pool C encounters were held where India won its first match competing with South Africa with the earned score of 5-0. As the India's campaign have begun, next match will be held facing world no.3 team Belgium who defeated Canada 2-1 earlier in the day on the other side of pool match.
On this great happiness PM Narendra Modi also congratulated the Indian men hockey team for having great start with the huge victory with 5-0 score over South Africa held on Wednesday evening.
He says “Fantastic start for the Indian Hockey team! Congratulations to our team for an impressive win against South Africa in their opening match at the World Cup in Odisha. Best wishes for the upcoming games. @TheHockeyIndia #HWC2018,” in his tweet.
Mandeep Singh, India forward player grab to the ball and scored the first goal from his side. Swooping the significant opportunity,another India forward player, Akashdeep Singh scored a alluring goal from a tough angle.
But hosts also missed a couple of chances during the match. Regardless, India made an influential comeback as they scored 2 back to back goals goals in the 43rd and 45th minute of the match destroying the hopes of South Africa.
After that, it was midfielder Simranjeet Singh and forward player Lalit Upadhyay who showed immediate acts in the field to strike the goals in a row. Simranjeet, who looked extremely enthusiastic on the field, scored another goal to make it 5-0 in India favour. By this, Indian hockey team collectively took responsibility to make India name to be highlighted in its first show.
And now the home team will play their next group stage match on December 2 against Belgium.