Paris Olympics 2024: India's hockey team ended a 52-year losing streak against Australia at the Olympics, securing a thrilling victory in their Pool B match in the Paris Games 2024 on August 2, Friday.
Indian hockey team ends 52-yr-long drought against Australia at Olympics
It was India's first win over Australia at Olympics since 1972 Munich Games. India scripted history by defeating Australia 3-2 in their final Pool B match at the Paris Olympics. The win solidified India's position as the second-best team in the pool.
Dominating possession from the outset, India opened the scoring through Abhishek in the 12th minute. Captain Harmanpreet Singh doubled the lead just a minute later with a penalty corner conversion. Australia managed to pull one back before halftime, but India held a 2-1 advantage at the break.
India carried their momentum into the second half, with Harmanpreet Singh converting a penalty stroke in the 32nd minute to extend their lead to 3-1. Australia showed resilience, pulling a goal back in the 55th minute through Govers Blake, but India managed to hold on to secure a historic victory.
Here's how India have fared against Australia at Olympics since 1972
Tokyo 2020 - lost 1-7
Athens 2004- lost 3-4
Sydney 2000 -drew 2-2
Barcelona 1992- lost 0-1
Los Angeles 1984 - lost 2-4
Montreal 1976 - lost 1-1 (4-5 SO)
Montreal 1976 - lost 1-6
Munich 1972 - Won 3-1
India Takes Early Lead
India began the match aggressively, establishing a 2-0 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Abhishek scored his second goal of the tournament in the 12th minute, followed by a penalty corner conversion from captain Harmanpreet Singh a minute later. Despite Australia's attempts, goalkeeper Sreejesh maintained a strong defensive presence. Australia managed to reduce the deficit to 1-2 before halftime through a goal from Thomas Craig. The third quarter saw India extend their lead to 3-1 when Harmanpreet Singh successfully converted a penalty stroke after a successful video referral. The decision overturned the initial no-penalty call after a review confirmed the ball had hit an Australian player's foot on the goal line.
Australia's Late Push in vain
Australia mounted a determined effort in the final quarter, reducing the deficit to 3-2 through a penalty stroke converted by Blake Govers. However, India held firm to secure the victory and conclude the group stage on a positive note. Prior to this match, India had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals. Their campaign included wins over Ireland and New Zealand, along with a draw against defending champions Argentina.
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