One of the standout moments of the Paris 2024 Olympics was India’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Australia in men’s hockey, a win that ended a 52-year Olympic losing streak against the Kookaburras. This historic victory, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, not only marked India’s first Olympic win over Australia since the 1972 Munich Olympics, but it also served as a testament to the team’s resilience, skill, and leadership.
A Dream Start for India
India got off to a perfect start, with Abhishek scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute after a fast counter-attack initiated by Lalit Upadhyay. Just a minute later, Harmanpreet Singh doubled the lead with a powerful penalty corner, putting India ahead 2-0. The early goals set the tone, and India played with confidence and composure throughout the match.
Strong Defense and Key Saves
While the Indian offense was sharp, it was their defense that proved crucial in securing the win. Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was outstanding, making key saves early on to keep Australia at bay. Alongside him, the defensive unit, including Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh, worked tirelessly to disrupt Australia’s attacks and deny them any easy chances.
Though Australia managed to pull one back in the second quarter through Thomas Craig’s deflection, Harmanpreet Singh restored India’s two-goal cushion in the 32nd minute with a penalty stroke, giving India a 3-1 advantage.
Harmanpreet’s Leadership Shines
Harmanpreet’s performance on the day was exceptional. Not only did he score twice, but his leadership on the field was a driving force for India’s success. Reflecting on the win, Harmanpreet noted, “We ticked off all the right boxes today. Brilliant saves by PR Sreejesh and our strong start ensured we stayed ahead. This win gives us a lot of confidence.”
Australia’s Late Fightback
Australia wasn’t ready to give up without a fight. With just five minutes left, they earned a penalty stroke, and Blake Glovers converted to bring the score to 3-2. However, India’s defense held firm in the final moments, and they successfully saw out the match to secure the victory.
A Historic Moment for Indian Hockey
India’s 3-2 win over Australia was not just about securing three points in the group stage, but also about overcoming a decades-long hurdle. With this victory, India went on to finish the group stage with 10 points, setting them up for a strong quarter-final run.
This match will forever be remembered as a historic victory that showcased India’s strength, determination, and ability to compete with the world’s best. The team’s performance in Paris 2024, capped by this unforgettable win, continues to inspire fans and players alike.
