In Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian hockey team created history by defeating Australia by performing brilliantly. India has won over Australia after 52 years in the Olympics. India won 3-2 against Australia in its last pool match. The Indian men’s hockey team had earlier defeated Australia in the Olympics in 1972.
The Indian team has already made it to the quarter-finals from Pool B. A win against Australia will affect its ranking. Earlier, the Indian hockey team had to face defeat against Belgium. Apart from Australia, it defeated New Zealand and Ireland. It played a draw with Argentina. Apart from India, Belgium, Australia and Argentina have made it to the quarter-finals from Pool B.
India won their last pool match against Australia by 3-2. India started off well by taking a 2-0 lead in the second quarter. Abhishek scored his second goal in two matches through open play in the 12th minute while skipper Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 13th minute. In the first quarter, the Australian team created a few chances on the Indian post but goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made no saves.
Australia reduced their lead to 1-2 by halftime with a goal from Thomas Craig in the 25th minute. In the third quarter, Harmanpreet converted a penalty stroke to increase India’s lead to 3-1. Harmanpreet’s drag-flick hit Flynn Ogilvy’s foot, but the referee failed to see it, due to which a review was taken. Australia gave a tough fight in the final quarter. Blake Govers made the score 3-2 from a penalty stroke, but India ended their campaign in the group stage with a brilliant victory.
