A Nail-Biting Contest
India kicked off its Paris 2024 Olympics hockey campaign with a heart-stopping 3-2 victory over New Zealand in a Pool B encounter. The match, played at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading goals and the outcome hanging in the balance until the final whistle.
New Zealand drew first blood when Sam Lane converted a penalty corner in the eighth minute, putting India on the back foot early. However, the Indian team responded swiftly, with Mandeep Singh equalizing in the 24th minute to restore parity.
The second half saw more drama unfold. Vivek Sagar Prasad put India ahead with a brilliant field goal in the 34th minute, but New Zealand refused to give up. Simon Child’s equalizer in the 53rd minute set the stage for a grandstand finish.
Harmanpreet Singh Delivers the Knockout Blow
With the clock ticking down, India was awarded a penalty stroke, and captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up to take the crucial shot. The experienced defender calmly converted the penalty, sending the Indian camp into raptures and breaking New Zealand hearts.
The victory was a perfect start for India, who will now face Rio 2016 champions Argentina in their next match.
India’s Road to the Podium
India is placed in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Ireland, reigning Olympic champions Belgium, and former champions Australia and Argentina. The top four teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals.
The Indian team will be looking to improve upon their bronze medal finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and aim for a podium finish in Paris.
Pool A: Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, France, South Africa
Pool B: Belgium, India, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Ireland
The road to the gold medal will be challenging, but India’s victory over New Zealand has given the team a much-needed boost in confidence. With a talented squad and a passionate fan base behind them, India will be hoping to make a deep run in the tournament.
The semi-finals of the event will take place on August 6 and the medal round matches are scheduled for August 8.
Also read- Paris 2024 Olympics: All the Action Featuring India – Schedule & IST Timings
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