In their second Pool B match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team played to a 1-1 draw with Argentina at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir on Monday.
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Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh (59’) equalized the game late from a penalty corner, countering an earlier goal by Argentina’s Lucas Martinez (22’), who had put the Rio 2016 champions ahead in the second quarter.India now holds four points from one win and one draw, placing them third in Pool B.
Belgium and Australia top the group with six points each. Previously, India, who won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, secured a 3-2 victory over New Zealand in their Paris 2024 opener. Ranked fifth in the world, India started the match with confidence.
They earned their first penalty corner in the 10th minute, but Sanjay’s attempt was blocked by Argentina’s goalkeeper Tomas Santiago.India had another penalty corner a minute later, with Abhishek hitting the post. Veteran Indian goalie PR Sreejesh made a crucial save against Agustin Mazzilli, and the first quarter ended with Argentina, ranked seventh globally, missing a penalty corner opportunity.
In the second quarter, India had three consecutive penalty corners, but Argentine keeper Santiago saved Harmanpreet Singh attempts. Argentina then took the lead at the 22-minute mark through Lucas Martinez.
Argentina controlled much of the third quarter, creating several chances, but the Indian defense held firm. A missed penalty stroke by Maico Casella in the 37th minute provided relief for India. Tomas Domene also came close but failed to capitalize on penalty corners.In the final quarter, India ramped up their offense.
Abhishek had a strong chance two minutes before the end. Hardik Singh and Harmanpreet Singh also had their shots saved by Santiago on consecutive penalty corners. Finally, Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner just before the final whistle, securing a 1-1 draw.India will face Ireland in their third Pool B match at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday.
Paris Olympics Hockey: INDIA results and score
The Indian men’s hockey team is set to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics, starting on July 27.
India earned their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics by winning the gold medal at the Asian Games last year, following their bronze medal success at Tokyo 2020.
Group B points Table
Rank. Team. Played. Won. Draw
- Belgium. 2. 2. 0
2 Australia. 2. 2. 0
3. India 2. 1. 1
4. Argentina. 2. 0. 1
5. New zealand. 2. 0. 0
Captain Harmanpreet Singh
Team captain Harmanpreet Singh, who scored six goals in the Tokyo 2020 campaign, will be participating in his third Olympics. The squad also boasts seasoned players like goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and midfielder Manpreet Singh, both making their fourth Olympic appearances.
India is placed in Pool B for the men’s hockey tournament at Paris 2024, alongside New Zealand, Ireland, reigning Olympic champions Belgium, and former champions Australia and Argentina.
Paris 2024 Olympics : Mens Hockey teams and Group
Pool A: South Africa, Netherlands, France, Germany, Great Britain, Spain,
Pool B: Ireland, India , Argentina , Australia, New Zealand, Belgium
The men’s hockey tournament will feature 12 teams, split into two groups. Each team will play the others in their group once, with the top four teams from each pool advancing to the quarter-finals on August 4. The semi-finals are scheduled for August 6, and the medal matches will take place on August 8.
India holds the record as the most successful team in men’s field hockey at the Summer Games, having won 12 medals, including eight golds. Their bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 marked their first Olympic hockey medal in four decades, achieved by defeating Germany.
Ranked seventh in the FIH rankings, India will face the reigning Olympic champions Belgium on August 1, followed by a match against three-time world champions Australia on August 2.