How did the Indian Men’s Hockey Team fare at the Tokyo Olympics? 

For the Indian men’s hockey team, the Tokyo Olympics 2020 was a memorable one. Once a big name in the world, Indian hockey capsized after failing to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. It was the first time India could not make their way through to the quadrennial event. But in Tokyo, India had every reason to cheer as they won the bronze medal.

India also ended their 41-year-long wait of winning a medal in hockey in the Olympics. India won gold in the 1980 Moscow Olympics before losing way. Under the leadership of Manpreet Singh, India got back to winning ways. India have won a total of 12 medals (eight gold, one silver, and three bronze).

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India put in a strong performance at the Tokyo Olympics

India were placed in Group A along with Australia, Argentina, Spain, New Zealand, and Japan. They finished second in the table with 12 points, thanks to wins in four out of five matches. Barring their humiliating 1-7 defeat to Australia, India looked in good touch.

In the quarterfinal, Manpreet’s men defeated Great Britain 3-1 at the Oi Hockey Stadium. However, India lost the chance of competing for a gold medal after losing 2-5 to Belgium in the semi-final. In the bronze medal match, India beat Germany 5-4.

Germany put India under pressure with a goal in the second minute. Although India scored the equalizer in the 17th minute, Germany reclaimed the lead in the 24th minute.

Within a blink of an eye, Germany were 3-1 and were in the driving seat. Soon after, India hit back with back-to-back goals and made it 3-3. India then scored twice in three minutes to take a 5-3 lead. Germany only managed one more goal as India claimed the bronze medal to bow out on a high.

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