Commonwealth Games 2018: Top 3 Indian hockey moments in CWG history

2. Will to win (India vs England, 2010 CWG Delhi, men)

Vikram Pillay (Representational Image)

Beating Pakistan in the opening game of the match helped India reach the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games, where they were to face England, the most improved team in last 5 years. They had dumped India out of Olympic qualification and then later beat them 3-2 in the World Cup played earlier that year.

England ranked fourth in the FIH rankings, were favourites to reach the finals by dumping India out. The Indian team, which was high with belief after beating Pakistan in the quarterfinals, scored its first goal in the 20th minute of the game through Sarvanjit Singh.

England's penalty corner experts Ashley Jackson scored two quick goals before Simon Mantell made it 3-1 to put England in the commanding position. Indian veteran Vikram Pillay then scored on the 56th minute and Sarvanjit Singh once again scored to make the scoreline 3-3 at the end of regulation time in what could have been considered as best comeback of the Indian team and playing through their skin to grab the equalizer.

After a goalless extra time, the winners of the match were to be decided by penalty shootouts. Indian goalkeeper Bharat Chetri then denied England’s Glenn Kirkman to help India reach finals of the Commonwealth Games for the first time.