India men’s hockey team registered their first win and starts the Tokyo Olympics in style. Goals from vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh helped the Indian men’s hockey team secure a 3-2 win against New Zealand. All three of India’s goals came from penalty corners with Harmanpreet scoring twice and Rupinder hitting once.
In the sixth minute, New Zealand took the lead as Kane Russell scored a goal through a penalty corner. Just after four minutes, Rupinder equalized for India through a penalty corner. It was a phrenetic end to the first quarter with New Zealand.
India had better control in the second quarter and Harmanpreet scored from a penalty corner to give them the lead in the 26th minute. The vice-captain scored soon after the start of the third and gave India a 3-1 lead.
Highlights Of The Tokyo Olympics Day 1
The Indian team dominanted for much of the match but slacked off towards the end of it. New Zealand capitalized on that and Nick Wilson’s pass from the right flank and the ball trickled in and the goal was credited to Stephen Jennes. Although, it was unclear who made the final touch before the ball went to the goal. However, New Zealand managed to cut India’s lead down to one goal in the 43rd minute.
Till the end of the match, both teams defended well and end the result with 2-2. In the penalty corner, India registered its first Tokyo Olympic win. A succession of big saves from PR Sreejesh helped India to get a 3-2 lead.
