Harmanpreet's brilliance, Sreejesh's grit fetches India bonus point in shootout win over Argentina
FIH Pro League
Buenos Aires: The Indian men's hockey team snatched a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Olympic champions Argentina after Harmanpreet Singh kept the side afloat in regulation time with his two goals in the action-packed first game of their FIH Pro League tie here.
In an engrossing contest between two evenly-matched teams, it was Harmanpreet (21st minute) who gave India a 1-0 lead with a superbly executed penalty corner early in the second quarter before a quick-fire double from Martin Ferreiro (28th, 30th) put Los Leones into a 2-1 lead at half time.
Argentina held onto their lead until the dying seconds of the match, when Harmanpreet (60th) stepped up to the mark to tie the scores with a second-phase penalty corner for the visitors, who were playing their first Pro League match after more than a year.
The draw guaranteed a point for each team, but it was the tourists who walked away with the bonus point, thanks largely to some brilliant goalkeeping by PR Sreejesh.
As per the event's rules, the team winning the shoot-out also walks away with the bonus point.
Sreejesh denied Lucas Vila, Martin Ferreiro and Ignacio Ortiz before Dilpreet Singh sealed a 3-2 win in the one-on-ones with a cool finish against veteran Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi.
The result meant India consolidated their fifth position in the FIH Hockey Pro League standings with 12 points from seven matches. Argentina are placed sixth, with 11 points from as many games.
Harmanpreet was deservedly declared player-of-the-match.
"I think the most important thing was that we never gave up," Harmanpreet said. "We were fighting until the last minute, and that is why we got a result here."
Asked what his team needs to improve on for the second game to be played later in the day, Harmanpreet said: "We got lots of cards today, so I think we need to improve on that. We need to keep that in mind so in the next match, we don't get any cards."
The two teams will face each other again on Sunday.
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Agra: Karni Sena holds armed rally against Samajwadi Party’s MP, police stand down
Agra: An armed rally by Karni Sena has sparked serious concerns over law enforcement and public safety, in Agra on Friday, openly brandishing swords and sticks while raising provocative slogans against Samajwadi Party MP Dr. Ramji Lal Suman. The rally, held to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput icon Rana Sanga, witnessed the participation of thousands of Karni Sena members, many of whom were seen carrying weapons in the presence of the police.
Despite the large police deployment, including PAC personnel and senior officers such as the Additional Commissioner, no preventive or punitive action was taken by law enforcement authorities as the rally progressed. Visuals that have now gone viral on social media show rally participants waving swords, raising slogans, and even threatening prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.
The rally was reportedly organized to press for action against Dr. Ramji Lal Suman, the SP MP from Agra, who had earlier made a remark citing historical sources that Rana Sanga had invited Mughal ruler Babar to India. Although Suman had publicly apologized for the remark and clarified that it was not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments, the Karni Sena had reacted sharply, terming it an insult to Rajput pride.
On March 26, 2025, soon after Suman's statement, Karni Sena members had reportedly attacked the MP's residence in Agra. Stones were pelted, vehicles were vandalized, windows smashed, and even police personnel were injured during the violence. Despite the severity of the incident, no major crackdown followed. The April 12 rally has now reignited concerns about the administration's handling of the group.
The Karni Sena had publicly declared their intent to organize the rally irrespective of police permission. Their national president, Raj Shekhawat, had even stated that they would march toward Suman’s house if their demands were not met. In anticipation, Agra Police had increased security outside the MP’s residence, ordered an additional 1,200 helmets and 1,000 batons, deployed drones, and set up barricades in sensitive zones.
However, when the rally took place, the arrangements appeared insufficient and ineffective. Crowd control measures were not enforced, and police presence appeared symbolic rather than deterrent. According to reports, the participants ignored police warnings, waving weapons and sticks in full view of law enforcement, and shouting slogans against SP leaders.
In a particularly alarming development, a Karni Sena leader can be seen in a viral video threatening to kill SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Despite this direct threat, there has been no confirmation from the police on any action taken against the speaker.
The silence of the administration during the rally, as well as in response to the earlier March 26 attack on the MP's house, has raised sharp criticism. Many political observers and citizens have questioned why such actions were tolerated and why the law was not enforced when the potential for violence was already known.
The Samajwadi Party has described these incidents as targeted attacks against the Dalit community and political intimidation. Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that Karni Sena operates with tacit support from the BJP, and that the threats and violence are being allowed under the current regime.
Social media users have also reacted strongly to the visuals of the rally. Several users questioned whether other groups—such as protesting farmers or students—would have been allowed to behave similarly without police action. Some commentators have called the event an open challenge to law and order in Uttar Pradesh, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent critical remarks on the deteriorating situation in the state.
