Paris Olympics 2024: The Indian men’s hockey team has made a promising start to their Paris Olympics 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over New Zealand. After initially trailing 1-0, India showcased resilience and skill to turn the game around, sparking hopes of a medal among fans back home.
New Zealand took an early lead in the first quarter, scoring a goal that put India on the back foot. However, Team India responded strongly. In the 24th minute, Mandeep Singh equalised with a well-executed goal, bringing the score to 1-1. The momentum continued in India’s favour when Vivek Sagar Prasad netted another goal in the 34th minute, giving India a 2-1 lead.
The match remained tense as New Zealand fought back, scoring in the final quarter to level the game at 2-2. The decisive moment came in the 59th minute when Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh scored, securing a 3-2 victory for his team.
India’s next match is scheduled against Argentina on July 29, where they will look to build on this strong start.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Indian hockey team holds the record for being the most successful in Olympic history, with a total of 12 medals, including 8 golds. The last gold medal win was in 1980, and the team ended a 41-year medal drought with a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. This year, the nation watches eagerly to see if India can end the 44-year wait for Olympic gold in hockey.
Match Summary:
Final Score: India 3, New Zealand 2
New Zealand Goals: 1st Quarter
India Goals:
– Mandeep Singh (24th minute)
– Vivek Sagar Prasad (34th minute)
– Harmanpreet Singh (59th minute)
The Indian team’s performance in the opening match has set a positive tone for their Olympic campaign, raising hopes for a podium finish.
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