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India's hockey team fought back from a goal down to defeat world champions Germany 5-3 in the second Test at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. However, the hosts lost the two-match series via shoot-out, with Germany winning 3-1.Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored a brace each for India, while Abhishek contributed with a goal. For Germany, Elian Mazkour scored twice, and Henrik Mertgens added another.Germany took an early lead through Mazkour's reverse shot in the seventh minute. India responded well and created several chances but failed to find the equalizer.The Indians finally broke through in the third quarter, with Harmanpreet converting two penalty corners in quick succession. Abhishek then extended India's lead to 4-1 with a fierce shot from the right corner.Sukhjeet scored India's fifth goal in the fourth quarter, receiving a long pass and beating the German goalkeeper with a diving reverse hit.Germany fought back with two late goals from Mazkour and Mertgens, but it was not enough to prevent India from winning the match.In the shoot-out, India missed three of their four attempts, while Germany converted three of their four.Despite the loss in the shoot-out, India's performance in the second Test was a significant improvement from their 2-0 defeat in the first Test. The team showed great resilience and determination to come back from a goal down and win the match.

India's Hockey Champions Reignite with Commanding Win in Asian Champions TrophyThe Indian men's hockey team commenced their title defense in the Asian Champions Trophy with an emphatic 3-0 victory over hosts China in Hulunbuir, China. The triumph marks a promising start for the team, which recently secured a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal.India's dominance was evident from the outset, with Sukhjeet Singh opening the scoring in the 14th minute. Uttam Singh extended the lead in the 27th minute, and Abhishek sealed the victory with a spectacular reverse hit just two minutes into the second half.The Indian defense proved impenetrable, thwarting China's attempts to penetrate their ranks. The team's cohesive play and clinical finishing were a testament to their preparation and determination.Last year, India emerged victorious in the tournament on home soil, becoming the only team to claim four titles in its history. This year's triumph sets the stage for another successful campaign.In other matches, Malaysia and Pakistan played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Japan and Korea engaged in a high-scoring affair that ended in a 5-5 stalemate.India will face Japan in their second pool match on Monday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum. The team's performance in the Asian Champions Trophy will serve as a valuable test ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

Indian hockey forward Sukhjeet Singh is brimming with confidence ahead of his Olympic debut at the Paris Games. Despite the pressure of playing at the highest level, Sukhjeet remains unfazed, drawing inspiration from his international goals.Sukhjeet made his debut for the Indian team in 2022, scoring a goal in his first match against Spain in the FIH Pro League. Since then, he has amassed 22 goals in 70 international appearances, showcasing his prowess as a prolific scorer.Physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of the Olympics, Sukhjeet is one of five debutants joining the 11 members of the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist team. He believes that the team's experience and his own preparation will help them navigate the pressure of facing top teams in the pool.India's campaign begins on July 27 against New Zealand, followed by matches against Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia. Sukhjeet is particularly eager to face Australia, a formidable opponent that India has faced 43 times since 2013.To boost his confidence, Sukhjeet watches clips of his international goals before big matches. He also credits sports psychologists for providing valuable guidance on handling pressure.Sukhjeet's journey to hockey began at the age of six, inspired by his father, a former Punjab Police hockey player. His father's dream of seeing his son represent India has now become a reality.When asked about his aspirations for the Olympic Games Village, Sukhjeet remains focused on his preparation. He believes that the team's camaraderie and the support of senior players will help them achieve their goals.Sukhjeet's determination and unwavering belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to the Indian hockey team. As he prepares for the biggest stage in sports, he is confident that he will make his father and the entire nation proud.

Sukhjeet Singh's journey to the Olympic stage has been a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Six years ago, a debilitating back injury left his right leg temporarily paralyzed, threatening to extinguish his hockey dreams. However, with the unwavering support of his family, especially his father, Sukhjeet refused to succumb to despair.Through grueling rehabilitation and sheer willpower, Sukhjeet regained his mobility and returned to the hockey field with renewed vigor. His talent and dedication caught the attention of the Indian selectors, and in 2022, he made his debut for the national team.Despite being a newcomer to the senior squad, Sukhjeet has quickly established himself as a valuable asset. His speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess have made him a formidable force on the forward line. In the past two years, he has scored 20 goals in 70 matches for India, including three crucial goals at the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup.Sukhjeet's contributions have extended beyond the World Cup. He played a pivotal role in India's gold medal victories at the Asian Champions Trophy and the Hangzhou Asian Games last year. His recent performances in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where he netted five goals, further solidified his status as a rising star.As the Paris Olympics draw near, Sukhjeet is laser-focused on delivering his best performance. He is determined to repay the trust of his coach and teammates by contributing to the team's success. His journey from adversity to the Olympic stage is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and never give up on their aspirations.