The Indian men began their competitive season in the Olympic year with a convincing 4-1 victory over Spain in their FIH Pro League opener, a triumph as spectacular for the effort as it was for the outcome. The Indians, fresh off a mixed South African trip that saw them easily defeat lower-ranked hosts and France before losing heavily to the Netherlands – India’s next opponent here on Sunday – were on the attack and kept the tempo high. It was refreshing to watch a fast-paced, open game with ample opportunity for both sides and not limited to a game of attrition in the middle. The Indian team’s strength, however, was built around the midfield, which Hardik Singh skillfully controlled to build up the assaults. The vice-captain was important in securing India’s first PC, which skipper Harmanpreet Singh converted by slamming into the board. In front of packed spectators, the Indians demonstrated both pace and control, sprinting away with the ball when in possession yet taking their time inside the circle to get into the proper positions.