India produced one of their most dominant performances against Pakistan in recent years, coming from behind to register a commanding 7-1 victory in the FIH Pro League at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Friday.
After edging Pakistan 4-3 in their previous meeting earlier this week, India left little room for doubt in the return fixture, overwhelming their arch-rivals with relentless attacking hockey and disciplined defending.
Pakistan struck first through Abu Mahmood, who converted a penalty corner in the 13th minute, but the lead proved short-lived as India responded emphatically with seven unanswered goals.
Sukhjeet Singh restored parity in the 19th minute before skipper Harmanpreet Singh gave India the lead with a powerful drag-flick in the 26th minute.
India tightened their grip after the break. Hardik Singh calmly converted a penalty stroke in the 34th minute before Jugraj Singh added a fourth a minute later following a swift counterattack. Abhishek (41st), Raj Kumar Pal (43rd) and Dilpreet Singh (53rd) completed the rout as Pakistan struggled to contain India’s attacking waves.
India dominated virtually every aspect of the contest, registering 36 circle penetrations and earning 13 penalty corners, converting three of them. Pakistan managed only one goal from six penalty corners despite making 18 circle entries.
The midfield duo of Hardik Singh and Manpreet Singh controlled proceedings throughout, while the attacking trio of Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh repeatedly stretched Pakistan’s defence. Hardik was named the FIH Player of the Match for his influential all-round display.
The victory extended India’s unbeaten run against Pakistan to 17 consecutive international matches, a streak that now spans a decade.
The result also lifted India above Spain into seventh place in the FIH Pro League standings with 17 points from 15 matches. Spain have 16 points from the same number of games, while Pakistan remain without a point after losing all 15 of their matches this season.
‘Dabdaba tha, hai aur rahega’: Hockey India celebrates emphatic victory
Hockey India hailed the performance on social media after the final whistle, celebrating both the emphatic scoreline and India’s sustained dominance over their traditional rivals.
“Dabdaba tha, hai aur rahega. The FIH Hockey Pro League clash had everything that makes Indian hockey special. The Men in Blue delivered a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan 7-1 in London, extending India’s decade-long winning streak over the arch-rivals to now 17 matches,” Hockey India posted on X.
. . . ⚔️
Goals off penalty corners, a penalty stroke & stunning field efforts, topped up by unforgettable celebrations — this FIH Hockey Pro League clash had everything that makes Indian hockey special.
The Men in Blue… pic.twitter.com/91prjfkpFL
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 26, 2026
The governing body described the performance as a showcase of India’s attacking flair, defensive discipline and growing stature in world hockey, with the comprehensive win providing another boost to the team’s Pro League campaign.