The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a historic victory on Friday at the Paris Olympics by outlasting the strong Australian team, with a thrilling 3-2 win. With this legendary triumph, the Men in Blue have outdone Australia in the Olympic arena, for the first time in 52 years. The last time India beat Australia was at the Munich Games in 1972. 

Major Highlights of the Match 

India clinched 3-2 in an exciting encounter, kicking off the match with a strong surge that gave them a 2-0 lead by the second quarter. In the 12^th minute, Abhishek scored another goal via open play. Shortly after, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 13^th minute.  

Despite the Australians closing the gap, goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh remained strong and determined, guarding the net with steady precision.  

With this victory, the Indian men’s hockey team has surpassed Australia to take the second spot in the pool. Australia is in third place with three victories and two defeats, while the Indian squad currently has three wins, two ties and one loss.  

This was the 8^th match between India and Australia of this year, with Australians having won the previous seven encounters.  

India’s Coming Face-off 

The Indian Team is set to play with Great Britain in the Olympic Quarterfinals in Paris. Germany and Australia, Belgium and Spain and Netherlands and Australia will play against each other in the remaining three quarterfinals of the ongoing tournament.  

But there’s more to this match apart from simply the competition.  

Olympian and former captain of the Indian Hockey Team, Viren Rasquinha highlighted an interesting point in a post on X: the amazing similarity between Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 team lineups. 

The teams for Paris Olympics hockey quarterfinals will be the same as it was in Tokyo 2020. Notably, the Indian men’s team had beaten Great Britain 3-1 in Tokyo’s quarterfinals and advanced to the bronze medal.  

This accomplishment is a historic turning point for the Indian Hockey team, as it is both emotional and cheerful moment for fans and players. This win is a major progression for the team in the Olympics that has ended a 52-year long drought. 

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