In the men's hockey competition at the Paris Olympics, the Indian men's team secured a 3-2 victory over Australia in their Pool B match on Friday, marking their first win against Australia since the 1972 Munich Olympics. This comeback follows a previous 1-2 defeat by defending champions Belgium.
Hockey India celebrated this milestone on Twitter: "Breaking the 52-Year Wait! Celebrating our first win against Australia in the Olympics since 1972! This victory is for every Indian. Let's keep the momentum, let's keep the adrenaline! Onto the Quarter Finals FT: India 3 - 2 Australia Abhishek 12' Harmanpreet 13' (PC) 32' (PS) Thomas Craig 25' (PC) Blake Grovers 55' (PS) #Hockey #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HockeyLayegaGold #WinItForSreejesh #Paris2024 #IndvsAus."
Abhishek (12') and captain Harmanpreet Singh (13') scored within two minutes in the first quarter at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, setting a strong start for India. Thomas Craig (25') converted a penalty corner, bringing Australia back into the game. Harmanpreet scored again in the third quarter, and Blake Govers' late penalty conversion in the 55th minute ensured a tense finish, with India earning three points.
Despite dominating possession with 54 percent, India faced aggressive attacks from Australia, who made 37 circle penetrations compared to India's 17. This win propels India to second place in the pool with three wins, two draws, and one loss, while Australia falls to third with three wins and two losses. Belgium leads the pool undefeated, and Argentina completes the top four with two wins, one loss, and one draw.
The quarterfinals of the men's hockey competition are scheduled to begin on August 4.
