BHUBANESWAR 01-Jul-2018
India retained the silver medal in Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy as they lost to defending champions Australia 2-4 via shoot out (1-3) in the thrilling final at Breda, Netherlands today. This was repeat final of the 2016 Champions Trophy in London, where India had lost in shoot out (1-3). Host Netherlands won the bronze medal, defeating Olympic champions Argentina 2-0. Belgium finished fifth, defeating Pakistan 4-3 in penalty shoot out.
Today’s hard-fought final went to the shoot out after play in the regulation time ended in 1-1 draw. Australia took the lead when Blake Govers converted their first penalty corner in the 24th minute. India restored parity with a fine field gold by Vivek Prasad in the 42nd minute. It was a heart-rending loss for India, who under the captainship of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, put up a dominat show.
