India Fall 2-1 to Germany Despite Jugraj Singh’s Milestone Goal

Jugraj Singh celebrated his 100th international appearance for India with a goal, but Germany scored twice in the closing minutes to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over India in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 on Thursday.

The defeat was India’s seventh in 11 matches and came just two days after the team registered its first win of the current Pro League season during veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh’s record-setting 413th international appearance.

India delivered a spirited performance against reigning world champions Germany and appeared on course for a memorable result before conceding goals in the 56th and 60th minutes.

The Indian side started strongly, controlling possession and putting Germany under pressure early in the contest. A disciplined defensive structure limited the world champions’ attacking opportunities and prevented them from creating clear scoring chances.

India increased the intensity in the second quarter with an aggressive high press that forced several German errors. Abhishek created India’s best opportunity of the first half following a well-constructed move, but the chance went unfinished.

In a closely contested match with limited scoring opportunities, India’s persistence paid off in the third quarter. After earning its first penalty corner of the game, Jugraj Singh converted with a powerful drag-flick in the 38th minute to give India a 1-0 lead and mark his milestone appearance in style.

Germany earned a pair of penalty corners late in the third quarter, but goalkeeper Mohith HS produced crucial saves to preserve India’s advantage heading into the final period.

India had chances to extend its lead in the fourth quarter through penalty corners and an open-play opportunity for Shilanand Lakra. However, Germany mounted a late comeback.

Justus Weigand equalized in the 56th minute by converting a penalty corner, bringing the score level at 1-1. With seconds remaining, Germany earned another penalty corner, and Jakob Brilla found the decisive goal in the 60th minute to complete a 2-1 victory for the world champions.

India will next face the Netherlands on June 21.

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