Paris Olympics: Decoding the campaign of Indian men's hockey team
The Indian men's hockey team finished its hard-fought journey with a smile at the 2024 Paris Olympics. India, who were beaten 3-2 in the semis by Germany, produced a stunning display against Spain in the bronze medal match. Harmanpreet Singh's two goals meant India won the contest by a 2-1 margin after having earlier gone down. Here we decode the Indian hockey team's campaign.
Why does this story matter?
India showed a lot of character during the entire tournament. This Indian team was one of the best sides in Paris. Wins against top teams like Australia and Great Britain showed pedigree. Even in defeats against superior sides like Belgium and Germany, Harmanpreet's side put up a lot of fight, only to lose by a whisker. Coach Craig Fulton deserves a lot of praise.
13th Olympic medal for men's hockey team; 2nd in succession
The Indian hockey team has won eight Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980). The team has won one silver medal in 1960 and 4 bronze medals (1968, 1972, 2020 and 2024). The team has won consecutive Olympic Games medals for first time since 1972. The previous instance of the men's team winning successive medals was in 1968 and 1972.
India finished behind Belgium in Pool B
India edged past New Zealand 3-2 before playing out a 1-1 draw against Argentina. Thereafter, a 2-0 win over Ireland followed suit. India were beaten 2-1 by Belgium next. India went on to stun Australia 3-2 in their final Pool B encounter. The win saw India finish second behind Belgium. After five matches, India finished with 10 points (W3 D1 L1).
India stun Great Britain before losing to Germany in semis
In the quarter-finals, it was a heroic show from Harmanpreet's men against Great Britain at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium. India played with 10 men for most part of the match after Amit Rohidas was sent off for a bad challenge. The match ended 1-1 before India won the shootout 4-2. India were beaten by Germany in the semis. Marko Miltkau scored a 54th-minute winner.
Harmanpreet hands India a win over Spain
Marc Miralles handed Spain a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute (2nd quarter). Spain went ahead after Manpreet Singh committed a bad foul in the circle and gave away a penalty stroke. Spain captain Miralles stepped up and beat Indian keeper PR Sreejesh. In the dying moments of the 2nd quarter, Harmanpreet equalized. He scored another penalty corner in the start of 3rd quarter.
India extend advantage over Spain at the Olympics
It was the 11th meeting between India and Spain at the Olympics. The Indian side has now won 8 matches with Spain winning one. Two matches have been drawn.
Key numbers of the Indian hockey team in 2024 Paris
India scored 10 goals in the group stage in addition to allowing seven. In the knockout rounds, India scored another five goals (1 versus GB, 2 versus Germany and 2 versus Spain). However, they also conceded five goals. Altogether, India managed 15 goals from eight matches and conceded 12. Harmanpreet was India's hero, scoring a total of 10 goals.
