Goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh showcased nerves of steel, making three crucial saves as the India outwitted New Zealand 3-2 in a thrilling shootout to secure the bronze medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup junior men's hockey tournament here on Saturday.
After the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time, strikers Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha converted their penalties in the tense shootout, while Bikramjit made three outstanding saves to secure victory against New Zealand.
Earlier in regulation time, Dilraj Singh (11') and Manmeet Singh (20') had given India a roaring start but New Zealand thawed India's plans in the final quarter with goals by Owen Brown (51') and Jonty Elmes (57').
India got off the blocks with tactful and compact attack. Swift, short passes and skillful dribbling helped them find success as early as in the 11th minute when Dilraj scored from an assist made by Mukesh Toppo to put India ahead 1-0.