Historic Victory for Indian Men's Hockey Team as They Defeat Australia in Olympics After 52 Years

Harmanpreet Singh and his team made history on Friday by becoming the first Indian side in 52 years to defeat Australia in Olympic hockey. The Indian captain played a pivotal role in this remarkable victory, scoring twice – once through a penalty corner and again with a penalty stroke. Additionally, Abhishek found the back of the net, helping India secure a thrilling 3-2 win against their esteemed rivals.

Veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, participating in his final international tournament, was outstanding. He made numerous crucial saves to maintain India's lead. This victory marks India's first win over Australia at the Olympics since the 1972 Munich Games, where they triumphed 3-1.

India has already secured a place in the quarterfinals of men's hockey at the Paris Olympics, having clinched victories against New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia. Their sole defeat came against Belgium, despite being the dominant side for the first two quarters. India controlled possession and created more scoring opportunities than the Red Lions. They took the lead in the second quarter with a goal from Abhishek. The Indian defense also excelled, preventing the Belgian forwards from creating significant scoring chances and thwarting two penalty corner attempts. Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was resolute, standing firm in front of the goal. However, Belgium made a strong comeback after halftime, with Thibeau Stockbroekx scoring in the 33rd minute and John-John Dohmen in the 44th, securing a victory that left Belgium unbeaten in the group stage and at the top of Pool B.

With India's qualification for the quarterfinals already confirmed, the upcoming match will determine their final position in the Pool B standings, which will subsequently decide their opponents in the last eight. Argentina, placed fourth in Pool B, will face Belgium later on Friday. Meanwhile, Germany and Great Britain are set for a top-of-the-table clash.

In the quarterfinals, the fourth-placed team from Pool B will face the top team from Pool A, while the third-placed team from Pool B will take on the second-placed side from Pool A.