London: The Indians may have finished only second and return with a silver medal, but it was a performance that should fill the team with confidence. The Indians playing the Hero Champions Trophy final for the first time held the World No 1 side to a goalless draw.
<img title="Harmanpreet Singh" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/jun/Harmanpreet-Singh18.jpg" alt="Harmanpreet Singh" /> India&rsquo;s Harmanpreet Singh celebrates a goal during the Champions Trophy hockey match vs Great Britain at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on June 11. Pic/Getty Images
They subsequently lost 1-3 in the shoot-out, but only after a controversial ruling by the umpires.
The protest was settled after more than a hour and a half, forcing the cancellation of a public presentation ceremony. The teams were presented with the medals and trophies indoors.
The bone of contention was Australian Daniel Beale&rsquo;s attempt, which as per rules should have been completed in eight seconds. The Indians maintained that Beale&rsquo;s attempt went on for 14 seconds as PR Sreejesh foiled him.
But the Australians claimed an obstruction and strangely the umpire asked for a referral and the third umpire ruled a re-take. Beale scored off it.
Mr Narinder Batra, President of Hockey India, was disappointed at the umpiring. &ldquo;The umpires have failed. Is this the quality of umpires you post in the final of the Champions Trophy?&rdquo; asked Batra.
&ldquo;The shootout attempt went on for over 14 seconds, and then it was re-taken. Just to cover up their shortcomings, they are now pointing out at a different incident. If the goalkeeper had made an infringement, a penalty stroke should have been awarded.&rdquo;
Later the Jury declared that Sreejesh&rsquo;s obstruction came in the seventh second but was unintentional and the re-take was justified.
The Jury said the ball had rolled under the goalkeeper&rsquo;s pads, which was why the re-take was taken. Fortunately, the Indians accepted it graciously.
As for the match itself, the Indians, who lost 2-4 in the Group stage, played aggressively and with great vigour right from the start.
The Australians did earn a bunch of penalty corners, but on this day, goalkeeper, Sreejesh was back to his excellent form.&nbsp;He blocked each attempt and when Australia earned a stroke, Blake Govers shot wide of the target.
The Indian defence with Manpreet, Raghunath and Harmanpreet did a great job and Sreejesh was outstanding. Upfront, SV Sunil, Mandeep and Nikkin Thimmaiah did a fine job, too.

Men in Blue settle for second place after going down to world champions Australia 1-3 in controversial Champions Trophy final penalty shoot-out

Champions Trophy final: India's performance should fill the team with confidence

NBA: Big day for stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry

Men in Blue settle for second place after going down to world champions Australia 1-3 in controversial Champions Trophy final penalty shoot-out

Champions Trophy final: India's performance should fill the team with confidence

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Sports / Other Sports / Article / Champions Trophy final: India's performance should fill the team with confidence

Champions Trophy final: India's performance should fill the team with confidence

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast