Hockey: Young India hold Olympic champions

Germany’s Tobias Hauke (left) is challenged by midfielder S.K. Uthappa in the men’s Champions Trophy league match in London Friday. The game ended 3-3.(Photo: AP)

Olympic champions Germany scored three minutes from the hooter, to pull off a thrilling 3-3 draw against India in the Champions Trophy opening clash here on Friday.

A dress rehearsal for the Rio Games, the elite tournament also includes Australia, Great Britain, Korea and Belgium.

India dominated the early parts and were ahead 2-1 at half time courtesy goals from penalty corner specialist V.R. Raghunath and striker Mandeep Singh.

For Germany, Tom Gramsbusch struck in the 26th minute as India held the upper hand early on.

Germany regrouped and put up an attacking display in the second half as a new-look India made several mistakes.

A penalty corner conversion from young Harmanpreet Singh handed India the advantage yet again before Gramsbusch struck again for Germany (2-3).

With just three minutes remaining, a defensive lapse from India resulted in a penalty stroke. Jonas Gomoll sent a sharp shot past custodian P.R. Sreejesh, making it 3-3.