India beat Australia 3-2 in Hockey on Friday
· India finished the group stage at second with 10 points
· Dilip Tirkey lauded Sreejesh and others for their efforts vs Australia
A Thrilling Victory
In a dramatic conclusion to their Pool B campaign at the Paris Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team achieved a historic 3-2 victory over Australia. This win marks India’s first Olympic triumph against the Kookaburras since the 1972 Munich Games. The match, held on August 2, 2024, showcased India’s determination and skill, as they delivered a stellar performance against the Tokyo Games silver medallists.
Match Highlights and Key Performances
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, was instrumental in the victory, scoring two goals. The match began with India asserting their dominance, making two early circle entries in the first two minutes. Abhishek opened the scoring for India in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Lalit’s shot was initially saved by Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter. Harmanpreet doubled the lead shortly after with a powerful penalty corner flick, beating Charter’s defense.
Australia’s Tom Craig scored in the 25th minute, and Blake Govers added another goal in the 55th minute, but it wasn’t enough to overcome India’s lead. Despite strong offensive efforts from the Kookaburras and several key opportunities, including a penalty corner blocked by Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, India’s defensive resilience and strategic play ensured their victory.
Sreejesh, in his final international tournament, played a crucial role in India’s defense, making several vital saves to keep Australia at bay. His performance was a highlight of the match, as he denied multiple shots from the Australian team, including a significant save against Tom Wickham’s attempt in the 11th minute.
Impact on the Tournament and Future Prospects
With this win, India is set to finish their pool stage in second place with nine points, behind Belgium, who top the table with 12 points and still have a match to play. The goal difference from Belgium’s final match will determine the exact positioning. Regardless, India’s victory over Australia has solidified their position in the quarterfinals and boosted their confidence.
Former Indian captain Dilip Tirkey praised the team’s performance, describing the win as a “historical moment.” Tirkey highlighted the significance of beating Australia, noting that it was a substantial achievement given the long-standing rivalry and past defeats, including a 7-0 loss in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. “Beating a team like Australia gives us belief in our ability to win a medal,” Tirkey said. He also lauded PR Sreejesh’s contributions, noting that his experience and energy have been invaluable to the team. Sreejesh, who has announced his retirement post-Olympics, was acknowledged for his exemplary performance throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead
India’s historic victory over Australia sets a positive tone as they advance to the quarterfinals. The team’s blend of aggressive attacking strategies and solid defensive play, coupled with the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh and the veteran skills of Sreejesh, has positioned them as strong contenders for a medal. The confidence gained from this landmark win is expected to fuel their efforts as they continue their quest for Olympic success.
The match against Australia will be remembered as a turning point for Indian hockey, rekindling hopes of a podium finish and signaling a promising future for the sport in the country. As India prepares for the knockout stages, their performance against one of the world’s top teams underscores their potential to achieve greatness in the Paris Olympics.
(With inputs from agencies)
