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India's junior hockey teams concluded their European tour with mixed results, showcasing their potential and resilience. The men's team secured a thrilling shootout victory over Germany, while the women's team played to a 2-2 draw against Orange Rood club.The men's team, led by captain Vivek Sagar Prasad, faced a tough challenge against Germany in their final match of the tour. After a goalless first half, Mukesh Toppo broke the deadlock for India in the 33rd minute with a rebound from a penalty corner. However, Germany equalized four minutes into the fourth quarter, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.In the shootout, Gurjot Singh, Dilraj Singh, and Manmeet Singh converted their attempts, while Germany managed only one successful penalty. This gave India a 3-1 victory in the shootout and a much-needed boost after three consecutive losses on the tour.The women's team, captained by Suman Devi Thoudam, also faced a challenging match against Orange Rood. After a quiet first quarter, Sanjana Horo gave India the lead in the 18th minute. However, Orange Rood responded strongly in the third quarter, earning three penalty corners and scoring twice to take a 2-1 lead.Undeterred, India fought back in the final quarter and equalized through Anisha Sahu in the 58th minute. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, giving India a solitary draw on their tour.Overall, the European tour provided valuable experience for both the men's and women's junior hockey teams. The men's team showed their ability to compete against top European sides, while the women's team demonstrated their resilience and determination.

In a thrilling encounter, India and the Netherlands locked horns in the second leg of their FIH Pro League match in Rourkela, Odisha. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a shootout where the Netherlands emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline.The Netherlands drew first blood early in the game when Floris Middendorp scored in the fourth minute, marking his first international goal. India fought back and found the equalizer through vice-captain Hardik Singh in the 38th minute, keeping the match level.The shootout proved to be a tense affair, with Araijeet Singh Hundal and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay scoring for India. However, Sukhjeet Singh and Shamsher Singh missed their attempts, handing the Netherlands the victory and two points. India managed to secure one point from the match.The match witnessed intense pressure from both teams, with India applying early pressure but failing to capitalize on their chances. The Netherlands took the lead with their first circle entry, showcasing their clinical finishing. India's goalkeeper, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, made some impressive saves, denying the Netherlands from extending their lead.The second quarter saw a neck-and-neck battle, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. India's defenders marked the Dutch players tightly, preventing them from creating clear-cut chances. In the 27th minute, Sukhjeet Singh thought he had equalized for India, but the goal was disallowed due to a body hit. India's video referral was unsuccessful in overturning the decision.After the break, the match continued to be fast-paced and end-to-end. India earned their first penalty corner three minutes into the third quarter, but skipper Harmanpreet Singh failed to beat the Dutch first rusher. Eight minutes later, India secured another penalty corner, and this time Hardik Singh scored from a rebound, leveling the score.The final quarter was a hard-fought battle, with both teams penetrating each other's circles but failing to find the winning goal. The Netherlands earned a penalty corner, but India's first rusher, Manpreet Singh, bravely defended to deny the Dutch.India will now face Australia on Saturday before concluding their Pro League home campaign against Ireland on Sunday.