For the first time in 52 years, India’s men’s hockey team beat Australia at the Olympics
The men's hockey team of India beat Australia in the final group stage game at the Paris Olympics on Friday. India played a good mix of attacking and defensive hockey as they beat the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist 3-2 at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium. It is the first victory of India over Australia in 52 years.
The Harmanpreet Singh-led side started the match on the right note as they took a two-goal lead in the first quarter. Forward Abhishek scored India’s first goal in the 12th minute. A minute later Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner to take his side 2-0 up.
Much of the second quarter was spent with the two teams exchanging possessions, and in the 25th minute, Craig Thomas converted a penalty corner as the Kookaburras reduced the deficit to one goal. India started the second half in fine fashion as Harmanpreet converted another penalty corner in the 32nd minute.
Australia managed to close the gap in the fourth quarter thanks to a successful penalty stroke by Blake Grover in the 55th minute. The Aussies pushed themselves hard in the dying minutes to score the equaliser but failed to do so.