Hockey World Cup 2018: Moments that defined the opening day

From Dhanraj Pillay cheering on from the stands to Canadian goalie Antoni Kindler’s heroics, here are the best moments from Day 1 of the Hockey World Cup 2018 in Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Mandeep Singh's 11th minute goal opened the flood gates for India against South Africa.

• Showing their love for the sport, Indian fans thronged the 15000 capacity Kalinga Stadium. Among them was a group of fans who travelled from New Zealand, London, Bengaluru, Punjab to the Bhubaneswar, Odisha's capital and the host city, and predicted a 4-0 win for India. Thanks to Simranjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh and Mandeep Singh, the men in blue did one better to thrash South Africa 5-0 on the opening day.

 

 

• The opposition acknowledged the overwhelming support despite the defeat.

 

• Canadian goalkeeper Antoni Kindler conceded twice in the 2-1 loss to Olympic silver medallist Belgium but his stunning saves made sure that Red Lions scored from none of its five penalty corners.

 

 

• India’s vice-captain Chinglensana Singh Kangujam reached 200 international caps for India against South Africa.

 

 

• Indian hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay was the host's biggest fan in the house.