The Indian hockey team made a winning start in the Pro League, recovering from a poor performance in the World Cup. India beat world champions Germany 3-2 in the first match. At the Birsa Munda Stadium, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh put the team ahead with a goal in the 30th minute. Striker Sukhjit Singh then scored in the 31st and 42nd minutes to give the Indian team a huge 3-0 lead. Germany’s Paul-Philipp Kaufmann scored a goal in the 44th minute to bring the team back. Michael Struthoff then reduced the gap with a goal in the 57th minute. After this there was no goal and the Indian team won the match 3-2. The Indian team will face Australia on Sunday. After this, the second leg will be played against Germany on Monday. India was out of the World Cup after losing in the pre-quarterfinals.