Indian Men hockey team, bronze medallists of the Tokyo Olympics, rode on a blistering hat-trick by drag-flicker Jugraj Singh to demolish hosts South Africa 10-2 in their second match of the FIH Hockey Pro League Tournament at the University of North West in Potchefstroom today.

New-comer Jugraj scored his three goals in the 4th, 6th and 23rd minutes. His effort won him the Player of the Match award. Among other Indian scorers, Gursahbjit Singh and Dilpreet Singh sounded the board twice each, while Harmanpreet Singh, Abhishek and Mandeep Singh contributed one goal each.

India were 8-0 ahead at the half-time. South Africa reduced the margin through Daniel Bell and Richard Pautz. Bell converted a penalty corner in the 44th minute, while Pautz scored a fine field goal in the 45th minute. Indian men will next meet France on February 12.

RESULT:
February 9: India (Harmanpreet Singh 2-PC, Jugraj Singh 4-PC, 6-PC, 23-PC; Abhishek 12-FG, Gursahibjit Singh 24-FG, 36-FG; Dilpreet Singh 25-FG, 58-FG; Mandeep Singh 27-FG) beat South Africa (Daniel Bell 44-PC, Richard Pautz 45-FG) 10-2.
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PHOTO: Jugraj Singh celebrates after scoring a goal against South Africa in Potchefstroom, South Africa on 9 th February 2022.