India Clinches Victory Against New Zealand in Hockey Test Series Opener

India, 4 January 2026 — The Indian men's hockey team triumphed with a 4-2 win over New Zealand in the opening match of the Test series held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, India showcased a strong performance with goals from Abhishek, Mandeep Singh, and a double from Harmanpreet Singh himself.
New Zealand started aggressively, taking an early lead through a penalty corner conversion by Sam Lane. However, India quickly leveled the score with a field goal by Abhishek. The hosts then dominated the second half, with Mandeep Singh adding another goal and Harmanpreet Singh converting two penalty corners.
The match saw a substantial turnout of local supporters, highlighting the growing interest in hockey across the nation. India's defensive line held strong, countering New Zealand's attempts to bridge the gap, with goalkeeper PR Sreejesh making critical saves.
This victory is significant as it sets the tone for the rest of the series, reflecting India's preparedness for upcoming international tournaments. The second match of the series is scheduled for Thursday, where India will aim to extend their lead.
The series against New Zealand provides a valuable opportunity for the Indian team to test their strategies and combinations ahead of the Asian Games later this year.