Host India and Argentina won classification matches to end campaigns in at joint-ninth position in the 15th Mens Hockey World Cup at Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela today. India outscored South Africa 5-2, while Argentina trounced Wales 6-0. Losses for Wales and South Africa, saw them finish joint-11th.

Malaysia and France also finished on wins, ending their campaigns at joint-13th position. In two other classification matches of the day, Malaysia beat Japan 3-2, while France got the better of Chile 4-2. Japan and Wales ended their campaigns at joint-15th place.

In-form forward Abhishek scored the first goal for India in the fourth minute to be awarded as the Player of the Match. Other four goals for the hosts were scored by Harmanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Sukhjeet Singh. India forward Mandeep Singh reached the milestone of 200 international matches while playing against South Africa.

France captain Victor Charlet converted two penalty corners against Chile in the 17th minute to be named as the Player of the Match. With the brace today, he became joint top scorer of the 15th World Cup with eight a total of goals to his name. Australia dragflicker is the other top scorer of the tournament.

RESULTS (28 January 2023):

Match 39 (13-16 Places, Birsa Munda Stadium, Rourkela): Malaysia (Shello Silverius 7-PC, 31-FG; Suhaimi Shahmie Irfan 33-FG) beat Japan (Kaito Tanaka 23-FG, Saren Tanaka 31-FG) 3-2. PoM: Shello Silverius.

Match 40 (13-16 Places, Birsa Munda Stadium, Rourkela): France (Eliot Curty 13-FG, Victor Charlet 17-PC, 17-PC; Gaspard Xavier 42-FG) beat Chile (Franco Becerra 20-PC, Andres Pizarro 53-FG) 4-2. PoM: Victor Charlet.

Match 41 (9-12 Places, Birsa Munda Stadium, Rourkela): Argentina (Lucas Toscani 15-FG, Martin Ferreiro 28-FG, 48-FG; Agustin Bugallo 30-FG, Santiago Tarazona 36-PC, Maico Casella 47-PC) beat Wales 6-0. PoM: Martin Ferreiro.

Match 42 (9-12 Places, Birsa Munda Stadium, Rourkela): India (Abhishek 4-FG, Harmanpreet Singh 11-PC, Shamsher Singh 44-FG, Akashdeep Singh 48-FG, Sukhjeet Singh 58-FG) beat South Africa (Samkelo Mvimbi 48-FG, Mustaphaa Cassiem 59-PS) 5-2. PoM: Abhishek.
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PHOTO: India forward Abhishek poses with the Player of the Match award after their World Cup classification game against South Africa in Rourkela on 28 January 2023.