Hockey World League: India beat Dutch for bronze medal

Raipur: A spirited India broke their 33-year-old medal jinx in a major international tournament as they came back from two goals down to stun defending champions the Netherlands 3-2 in the shoot-out after the teams were tied 5-5 in regulation time in a thrilling bronze medal play-off match of the Hockey World League Final here on Sunday.

India last won a medal in an international tournament in 1982 when they beat Pakistan 5-4 in the Champions Trophy in Amsterdam.

In the shootout, the Indians prevailed 3-2 at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium and the win avenged India’s 1-3 defeat against the Netherlands in the pool stages of the tournament here. Birendra Lakra, Sardar Singh and Rupinderpal Singh were on target for the hosts in the shootout after two early misses.

Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh too deserves credit for holding back the Oranje in their final shot. After beginning the match on a slow note, India produced a fine show in the last two quarters to keep the world number two side silent with relentless attacks in the second half.

The Netherlands were quick to take a 2-0 lead in the first half, courtesy some sloppy defending from the hosts when Mirco Pruisjer (9th minute) and Niek van der Schoot (25th) scored two field goals.