Steely Indian Hockey Team Triumphs Over New Zealand in Paris Olympics Opener with 3-2 Victory

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/28th July 2024

India’s men’s hockey team began their Paris Olympics 2024 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over New Zealand. Goals from Mandeep Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and a decisive penalty stroke from captain Harmanpreet Singh secured this crucial win in their Pool B opener on Monday, July 27. This victory sets a positive tone for what is expected to be a challenging pool stage for India.

The match at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium saw India recovering from an early setback. New Zealand took the lead in the eighth minute, capitalizing on their superior possession and circle penetrations. Despite this early goal, India, led by coach Graig Fulton, managed to find their footing. The team’s resilience was evident as they rallied to equalize and eventually take the lead.

Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who announced his retirement after the Paris Games, was instrumental in India’s defense. He made crucial saves, particularly during New Zealand’s seven penalty corners, denying them further scoring opportunities and maintaining India’s chance to stay in the game.

India’s equalizer came in the second quarter through Mandeep Singh. After a failed penalty corner attempt by Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep was quick to capitalize on a deflection, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal marked a turning point, shifting the momentum in India’s favor.

The third quarter saw India dominate, with renewed confidence evident in their play. Vivek Sagar Prasad scored a field goal, putting India ahead 2-1. However, New Zealand responded with a goal from Simon Child, who found the net following a well-executed penalty corner. The score was tied again, setting up a tense final quarter.

As the match progressed, India’s determination to secure the win became increasingly apparent. Their persistence paid off when they earned a late penalty stroke. Harmanpreet Singh, known for his precision and skill, converted the stroke into a goal, sealing the game at 3-2 for India. This decisive moment underscored the team’s ability to perform under pressure and clinch victories in tight situations.

This opening win is particularly significant for India as they navigate a tough Pool B, which includes formidable opponents like Australia, Belgium, Argentina, and Ireland. The victory places India in a strong position as they prepare for their next match against Argentina on Monday, July 27.

Reflecting on the game, it was clear that while India’s penalty corner conversion was not at its best, their overall performance showcased their potential and resilience. Sreejesh’s exceptional goalkeeping, combined with the strategic plays from the rest of the team, highlighted India’s readiness to tackle the challenges ahead in the Olympics.

India’s triumph over New Zealand has boosted their confidence and set a positive trajectory for their Olympic journey. As the tournament progresses, the team’s ability to adapt and respond to different situations will be crucial in their quest for Olympic glory. The victory also serves as a testament to their hard work and preparation leading up to the games, promising an exciting and competitive campaign ahead.