Hockey Shock: India ends 52-year Olympic drought with stunning win over Australia
Paris: In a thrilling final Pool B match at the Tokyo Olympics, the Indian men's hockey team delivered a memorable performance, defeating the Tokyo Games silver medallists, Australia, 3-2. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh was instrumental in this victory, scoring two crucial goals. The match was played on Friday, and India’s win was a testament to their resilience and skill, marking their first victory over Australia in the Olympics since the 1972 Munich Games.
India had already secured a quarterfinal spot before this match, but they played with exceptional intensity and determination. Their aggressive start was evident as they made two circle entries within the first two minutes, setting the tone for the game. The Indian team’s attacking play was complemented by solid defensive efforts throughout the match.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who is participating in his final international tournament, was a pillar of strength for India. His performance was crucial, with several key saves keeping Australia at bay. In the 11th minute, Sreejesh denied Tom Wickham's attempt, resulting in a penalty corner. However, Jeremy Hayward’s subsequent shot went off target.
On the offensive end, Jarmanpreet Singh attempted to set up a goal for Sukhjeet Singh, but the Australian defence thwarted the opportunity. Australia had their own chances, creating two back-to-back opportunities, but India’s defence remained steadfast.
The breakthrough for India came in the 12th minute when Abhishek scored. Lalit received a pass in the D, attempted a shot, but it was saved by Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter. Abhishek seized the rebound, turning and firing past Charter to put India ahead. Just a minute later, India earned a penalty corner after a ball touched Jake Harvie’s foot. Harmanpreet Singh capitalised on the opportunity with a fierce flick that beat Charter, extending India’s lead to 2-0.
Australia's Tim Brand missed a chance to reduce the deficit early in the second quarter, striking the ball wide. The Kookaburras then earned their second penalty corner in the 19th minute, but Sreejesh was up to the task, blocking Blake Govers’ shot. Vice-captain Hardik Singh was dynamic in midfield, feeding the forwards with precision.
Australia pulled one back in the 25th minute. Despite a poor injection from skipper Aran Zalewski, the Australians quickly recovered, passing the ball to Tom Craig, who deflected it into the net. India led 2-1 at halftime.
The second half saw India earn their third penalty corner when Manpreet Singh was tackled by an Australian defender. Harmanpreet’s initial shot was blocked, but a referral led to a penalty stroke. Harmanpreet made no mistake, converting the stroke to restore India's two-goal lead.
Australia had a chance to respond with another penalty corner in the third quarter, but they failed to capitalise on it. India had their own opportunities in the final quarter with back-to-back penalty corners, but they were unable to convert.
In the 53rd minute, Abhishek scored again after a pass from Mandeep Singh, but the goal was disallowed due to a stick check. Five minutes before the end of the match, Govers scored from a penalty stroke to reduce the margin, but it was too late for Australia to mount a comeback.
Despite Australia’s late push, the Indian defence held firm, securing a historic 3-2 victory. This win not only showcased India’s exceptional skill and resolve but also secured their position in the quarterfinals with a likely second-place finish in Pool B, trailing Belgium, who lead the table with 12 points. The final pool standings will be determined by goal difference after Belgium’s remaining match against Argentina. PTI