Paris: Skipper Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian men’s hockey team to a historic 3-2 victory over the Tokyo 2020 silver medallists Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday. This victory marks India’s first win against Australia in Olympic hockey since the Munich 1972 games, ending a 52-year wait.
For the world No. 7 India, skipper Harmanpreet Singh (13’, 32’) and Abhishek (12’) scored the decisive goals, while Thomas Craig (25’) and Blake Glovers (55’) found the net for the fourth-ranked Australian team.
The match at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Colombes saw an electrifying start. Abhishek opened the scoring for India from a counter-attack, thanks to a remarkable run by Lalit Upadhyay into the inner circle, which Abhishek finished with finesse. Almost immediately, skipper Harmanpreet Singh doubled India’s lead with a powerful penalty corner conversion.
In the second quarter, Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made several crucial saves. However, the Kookaburras managed to break through when skipper Aaron Zalewski’s shot from the left flank was redirected into the goal by Thomas Craig.
After the halftime break, India was awarded a penalty stroke early in the third quarter. Harmanpreet Singh seized the opportunity, slotting the ball between the Australian keeper’s feet to restore India’s two-goal lead.
The final quarter was not without drama. India had another goal by Abhishek disallowed due to a stick tackle in the build-up. Australia responded with a goal from Blake Glovers, who converted a penalty stroke with five minutes remaining. Despite this late push, the Indian defense held firm to secure the victory.
With this win, the Harmanpreet Singh-led side accumulated 10 points in their group stage, with three wins out of five matches. India, the bronze medallists at Tokyo 2020, will now advance to the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics hockey tournament, scheduled to take place on August 5.
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