The Indian men’s hockey team made history by defeating Australia 3-2 in the final group stage Pool B match at the Paris Olympics. This win is India’s first against Australia in Olympic hockey since the Munich Games in 1972, ending a 52-year wait.
Match Highlights
India played brilliantly from the start. Abhishek scored the first goal in the 12th minute with a quick counter-attack. Just a minute later, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh scored from a penalty corner, making it 2-0. Harmanpreet scored again early in the third quarter, giving India a strong lead.
Despite Australia’s strong attacks, Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, playing his last international tournament, made several key saves. Australia scored twice, with goals from Tom Craig (25th minute) and Blake Govers (55th minute), but could not catch up.
Key Moments and Players
- Abhishek (12th minute): Scored the first goal from a counter-attack.
- Harmanpreet Singh (13th and 33rd minutes): Scored twice, including a penalty stroke early in the third quarter.
- PR Sreejesh: Made important saves, stopping many Australian attacks.
- Tom Craig (25th minute): Scored Australia’s first goal.
- Blake Govers (55th minute): Scored Australia’s second goal.
India’s win moved them to second place in Pool B, with three wins, two draws, and one loss. Australia dropped to third place with three wins and two losses.
Significance of the Win
This match was the eighth time India and Australia faced each other this year, with Australia winning the previous seven matches. India’s victory not only broke a long Olympic jinx but also boosted their confidence for the quarterfinals. Belgium, the reigning Olympic champions, topped the pool with all matches won. Argentina secured fourth place with two wins, one loss, and one draw.
Future Prospects
India’s win against a strong team like Australia sets a positive tone for the upcoming matches. The team’s performance, especially from key players like Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, shows their potential to compete at the highest level.
India’s historic win over Australia is a testament to the team’s hard work, smart play, and resilience. This victory highlights India’s growing strength in international hockey and reignites hopes for a strong finish in the ongoing Olympic games.
