In men’s hockey at the Olympics, India defeated powerful Australia 3-2 after 52 years. Prepare yourselves for an exciting weekend as Manu Bhaker, the breakout star of the Paris Olympics for India, makes her comeback at 12:30 PM in the women’s 25m air pistol event with Esha Singh.
On Friday, in the Olympic hockey competition, Harmanpreet Singh and his team made history by being the first Indian team to overcome Australia in fifty-two years. The Indian captain, who scored twice through penalty corners and a penalty stroke, was the driving force behind the team’s amazing victory. Abhishek also contributed to the score as the team defeated its well-known foes 3-2.
Playing in his final international competition, veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was outstanding in front of goal, making several saves to preserve his team’s lead. For the record, India won their first Olympic match against Australia since winning 3-1 in Munich in 1972.
India has already advanced to the men’s hockey quarterfinals of the Olympics in Paris after defeating Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Their lone defeat was in a match against Belgium, where, at least in the first two quarters, they were clearly superior. Compared to the Red Lions, they had superior possession and more scoring opportunities. India scored their first goal of the game with Abhishek setting them up at the beginning of the second quarter.The Indian defense did a good job of stopping the Belgian forwards from having any genuine scoring opportunities and blocking two penalty corner situations. In front of the goal, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was competing in his last international competition, stood unwavering. After the break, though, the Belgians mounted a formidable comeback, with goals from Thibeau Stockbroekx (33rd) and John-John Dohmen (44th) to secure the win. This kept them unblemished in the group stage and at the top of Pool B.
