India triumphed over World No. 4 Australia, the silver medallists from Tokyo 2020, with a 3-2 victory in their final Pool B match of Friday’s Paris 2024 Olympics hockey competition. This marks the Indian men’s first Olympic win against Australia since the 1972 Munich Games.
India started strong, taking a 2-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Abhishek netted his second goal in as many games during open play in the 12th minute, and captain Harmanpreet Singh successfully converted a penalty corner in the 13th. Although Australia had several attempts on goal in the first quarter, Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh effectively defended his team’s lead.
Australia reduced the deficit to 1-2 at halftime with a goal from Thomas Craig in the 25th minute. Harmanpreet Singh extended India’s lead to 3-1 in the third quarter by converting a penalty stroke after a successful video referral. Harmanpreet’s drag flick had struck Flynn Ogilvie’s foot on the line, which the referee initially missed, prompting the review.
Australia put up a strong fight in the final quarter and gave India a scare when Blake Govers made it 3-2 with a penalty stroke. However, India held its nerve and concluded the group stage on a high note.
Before this match, the Indian men’s hockey team had already secured its place in the quarterfinals, having won against Ireland and New Zealand, and drawn against 2016 champion Argentina.
