Tokyo Olympics: India beat Spain 3-0 in men’s hockey

Tokyo: The Indian men’s hockey team defeated Spain 3-0 to register its second win at the Tokyo Olympics here on Tuesday.

Veteran drag-flicker Rupinderpal Singh scored a brace of goals, his first off a penalty stroke, and Simranjeet Singh contribute one as Graham Reid’s India romped to a well-deserved victory against a Spanish team that lacked the firepower to trouble the world No. 4 team.

India were 2-0 up by the end of the first quarter and though they allowed the opponents to dominate possession in the second quarter, the Spaniards could not capitalise on the chances.

The teams were evenly matched in the third quarter and though Spain created some good chances, the Indians defended superbly and maintained a clean sheet.

India had earlier defeated New Zealand 3-2 in their opening fixture. Spain, on the other hand, are yet to register a win in the competition. Spain drew 1-1 against Argentina before losing 3-4 to New Zealand.

The Indians will next play reigning Olympic champions Argentina on Thursday.