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The Indian junior men's hockey team faced a narrow 2-3 defeat against Germany in a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire on their ongoing Europe tour. The match, played in Breda, Netherlands, showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.The first quarter witnessed a flurry of action, with both sides creating opportunities through penalty corners. However, neither team managed to break the deadlock, leaving the score at 0-0.The second quarter saw Germany take the lead with a well-executed field goal five minutes in. Undeterred, India responded with a penalty corner goal from defender Yogember Rawat, leveling the score at 1-1.India continued to press forward in the third quarter, earning another penalty corner. Forward Gurjot Singh made no mistake, putting India ahead 2-1. However, Germany refused to give up and equalized just minutes later with a penalty corner of their own.The final quarter was a tense affair, with both teams desperate for the winning goal. India had a chance to regain the lead early on but failed to convert a penalty corner. As the clock ticked down, Germany was awarded a penalty corner in the dying moments. They capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the winning goal and sealing a 3-2 victory.Despite the defeat, the Indian junior men's hockey team displayed commendable spirit and determination throughout the match. They will look to end their Europe tour on a high when they face Germany once again in their final match on Wednesday.

Hockey Olympians Rupinderpal Singh and Adrian D'Souza Share Insights at Coaching CampFormer Indian hockey goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza and penalty corner specialist Rupinderpal Singh recently conducted a coaching camp in Chennai, organized by Hockey India. The camp aimed to identify and groom promising young players under the age of 19.D'Souza, who represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics, emphasized the importance of proper technique and strategy in penalty corner defense. He shared his expertise with the young goalkeepers, guiding them on how to effectively guard the goal and anticipate shots.Rupinderpal Singh, a key member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, focused on the nuances of drag flicks. He demonstrated the technique and provided valuable tips to the players on how to generate power and accuracy in their shots.The Olympians also discussed the challenges faced by the Indian men's hockey team in recent international matches, particularly the 0-5 whitewash in the Test series against Australia. They highlighted the need for improved penalty corner defense and a greater emphasis on scoring field goals.D'Souza expressed concern about India's performance in Perth, Australia, where the team has historically struggled. He emphasized the importance of finding new rushers to complement the likes of Manpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas.Rupinderpal Singh stressed the importance of team effort and camaraderie in hockey. He believes that if these aspects are present, any team can overcome adversity. He also pointed out that the team has ample time to prepare for the Paris Olympics, unlike the Tokyo Games where practice matches were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.Adrian D'Souza cautioned against underestimating Australia's counter-attacking abilities. He believes that the Australian team can quickly convert defensive opportunities into goalscoring chances. He also emphasized the need for India to convert the limited penalty corners they get in international matches.Both Olympians expressed optimism about India's chances of winning a medal at the Paris Olympics. They believe that the team has the potential to succeed if they remain consistent and play as a unit.

India's dismal performance in Australia continued as they suffered a 1-3 defeat in the fourth Test of the five-match men's hockey series. Despite an improved display, the Kookaburras proved too strong, securing their fourth consecutive victory.The match, delayed by lightning, saw all four goals scored from penalty corners. India took the lead through skipper Harmanpreet Singh in the 12th minute, but Jeremy Hayward's brace (19th, 47th) and Jack Welch's strike (54th) handed Australia another win.India had been decimated 1-5 in the opening Test and lost the second and third Tests 2-4 and 1-2 respectively. However, they showed signs of improvement in the fourth Test, matching Australia in the first quarter.Mandeep Singh had an early chance for India, but his shot was saved by the Australian goalkeeper. The Kookaburras responded with back-to-back penalty corners, but veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made twin saves to deny them.India used the midfield more effectively than in previous games, building attacks with fine ball transfer. They secured their first penalty corner in the 10th minute, but Jugraj Singh failed to convert.Australia earned their third and fourth penalty corners, but the Indians defended stoutly. India took the lead when Harmanpreet converted their second penalty corner with a low and hard flick.The Kookaburras responded quickly, with Hayward converting their fifth penalty corner. Rajkumar Pal's reverse hit hit the post for India, and Australia secured their sixth penalty corner, but reserve goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a brilliant save.The second half saw India secure another penalty corner, but Harmanpreet failed to breach the Australian defense. Australia earned back-to-back penalty corners in the final quarter, with Hayward converting the second.The hosts kept up the pressure, securing two more penalty corners but failing to utilize them. Welch scored Australia's third goal from another penalty corner six minutes later.India had chances in the form of three penalty corners in the last four minutes but wasted the opportunities. The final Test of the series will be played on Saturday.