Paris Olympics 2024: India Defeats Australia In Men’s Hockey, Ending 52-Year Olympic Drought

Harmanpreet Singh’s brace and stellar goalkeeping performance by Sreejesh helped India stun Australia 3-2 in their final group game on August 2, Friday, propelling them into the quarterfinals on a high note. This victory ended India’s 52-year wait for an Olympic win over Australia, showcasing the team’s top form. Abhishek had given India the lead in the 12th minute, which was quickly doubled by Harmanpreet within a minute, as Sreejesh thwarted the Australian attacks.

India beats Australia

India’s skipper, Harmanpreet Singh, then scored the third goal early in the third quarter. Although Australia made a comeback through Blake Govers towards the end, it wasn’t enough to prevent India’s thrilling finish in Paris. This match marked the eighth encounter between India and Australia this year, with Australia winning the previous seven games. After a defeat to Belgium, India started the game with a strong offensive approach.

How the Match Unfolded

India began the first quarter aggressively, penetrating the D with ease. Shamsher Singh forced Andrew Charter to make a save in the 3rd minute, as Australia started to counter the Indian threat. Thomas Craig then forced Sreejesh into action, making a save, and Jake Whetton nearly opened the scoring in the 7th minute.

Australia earned a penalty corner, but India successfully defended it and launched a counter-attack. Abhishek replicated his goal against Belgium with a sharp turn and shot, giving Charter no chance. India doubled their lead through a penalty corner as Harmanpreet’s thunderous shot sent Charter the wrong way. Australia responded, forcing Sreejesh to make several saves before the first quarter ended.

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In the second quarter, Australia applied pressure and almost scored as Tim Brand’s shot went wide. A penalty corner for Australia was saved by Sreejesh, but their resistance broke in the 25th minute when Thomas Craig converted a fine pass. India had a penalty corner opportunity, but Charter saved Harmanpreet’s shot. Australia ended the quarter strongly, but Sreejesh preserved India’s lead with another big save.

The third quarter started well for India, earning a penalty stroke that Harmanpreet converted, restoring their two-goal lead. Australia reworked their strategies and put pressure on India, with a few counterattacks almost threatening Sreejesh. However, India’s defense held strong.

In the final quarter, Sukhjeet’s strong pass almost resulted in a fourth goal. India earned another penalty corner, but Harmanpreet’s shot was saved by Charter. Abhishek’s shot from a counter-attack earned India another penalty corner, but without Harmanpreet, they couldn’t capitalize. Mandeep’s brilliant stick work set up Abhishek for what seemed like the fourth goal, but it was ruled out due to a foul in the D.

Australia reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a penalty corner conversion by Blake Govers, five minutes before the end. The pressure was on as Australia pinned India in their half. In the final 90 seconds, Australia took off Charter to employ a flying goalkeeper, maintaining possession.

In the last few seconds, Australia got the ball in the D, but Sreejesh’s rush out saved the shot. A referral came to nothing, securing India’s second spot and ending their campaign on a victorious note.