Xtra Time Web Desk: Local boy Amit Rohidas and Hardik Singh were on target as India kickstarted its Hockey World Cup 2023 campaign with a 2-0 win over Spain at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela on Friday. Both goals were scored in the 1st half. Amit Rohidas gave the hosts the lead in the 12th minute. Hardik Singh scored a stunning goal few minutes later. The atmosphere as expected was electrifying in Rourkela’s newly built Birsa Munda stadium.
India missed a golden opportunity to take a 3-0 lead as captain Harmanpreet Singh missed a penalty stroke.
Amit Rohidas won the man of the match award for his entertaining performance.
Earlier England defeated Wales 5-0 in Pool D encounter and in Pool A, Australia thrashed France 8-0 in a one-sided match. In the opening game of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, Argentina defeated South Africa 1-0.