There is no better feeling for Indian in sports that beating archivals a historic upset, India’s men’s hockey team defeated defending silver medalists Australia 3-2 at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, marking their first Olympic victory over the Aussies in 52 years.
In the 1972 Munich Olympics, India defeated Australia 3-1 in men’s hockey, marking a significant victory as it was India’s last Olympic win against Australia until recently. Mukhbain Singh scored a hat-trick in that match, solidifying India’s prowess in the sport at the time.
This victory remained a notable moment in Indian hockey history until India beat Australia again in 2024, ending a 52-year wait for a win over them in Olympic competition
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the charge with a brace, while Abhishek contributed another goal for the Indian side. Thomas Craig and Blake Glovers scored for Australia.
The win propelled India to the top of their group with 10 points, setting them up for a quarterfinal clash on August 5.
Harmanpreet Singh’s exceptional performance, coupled with crucial saves by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, proved instrumental in securing the victory. The captain expressed his delight, attributing the win to the team’s execution of their game plan.
India’s last Olympic triumph over Australia came in Munich in 1972. Since then, the two hockey powerhouses have faced off seven times in the Olympics, with Australia dominating the series. Friday’s victory not only ended this long-standing drought but also injected fresh confidence into the Indian team.
Prior to the Australia match, India had displayed resilience and determination. A narrow loss to world champions Belgium was a setback, but the team bounced back with victories over New Zealand and Ireland. The draw against Argentina showcased their ability to grind out results even in challenging circumstances.
As the tournament progresses, India will look to build on this momentum and aim for a podium finish. With the quarter-finals looming, India will be eager to build on their momentum and aim for a podium finish. The nation is united behind the team, hoping for another chapter of glory in the storied history of Indian hockey.
