"Is this a dream?" - Fans ecstatic as India men's hockey team claim first win over Australia since 1972
Indian hockey fans were jubilant after the men's team claimed a historic win over Australia at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. Though narrow, the hard-fought 3-2 win was their first Olympic win over the Kookaburras since 1972.
In the aftermath of the historic win, fans took to Twitter to express their joy. Congratulatory messages poured in for India men's hockey team coach Craig Fulton and the team as they continued their journey towards yet another podium finish after the Tokyo Olympics.
"What....... Is it a DREAM, After 1972 for the first time in Olympics India defeated Australia in men's field hockey, " wrote a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
"INDIA HOCKEY TEAM MADE HISTORY. Team India beat Australia in Hockey in Olympics after 1972 - This is Historic," wrote another.
"What a win for Team India in Hockey, that too over Australia, May This Continue Long!!!" hoped another fan.
"Don't remember the last time India beat Australia in #Hockey, Massive result in terms of morale!" added another on Twitter.
"India wins a hockey game against Australia? Yeah lets do one more chak de now" wrote a fan.
"India absolutely crushed it in hockey today! Top-notch performance all around. Last few minutes were nail-biting! " said another.
India men's hockey team claim first Olympic win against Australia after 52-year gap
India's men's hockey team secured a historic victory over Australia at the Paris Olympics 2024, marking their first win against them in the Summer Games since the Munich Olympics in 1972. In a thrilling match, India triumphed 3-2, showcasing their superior skills and strategic prowess throughout the game.
The match kicked off with India launching early attacks, and Shamsher Singh nearly capitalized on a brilliant cross from Jarmanpreet but missed the open goal. Despite Australia's consistent pressure, India's defense, led by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, held firm. Abhishek scored the opening goal for India after a swift counter-attack, setting the tone for the match.
Harmanpreet Singh doubled India's lead with a perfectly executed penalty corner, sending the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. But Australia got one back through Thomas Craig in the second quarter before Harmanpreet converted a penalty stroke to restore India's two-goal lead.
In the third quarter, Australia managed to score through a penalty stroke by Blake Govers, but India maintained their lead. Amit Rohidas found the back of the net again for India, but the goal was reversed following a video referral.
As the final minutes ticked away, Australia pushed hard, winning several penalty corners. However, India's defence remained resolute. In the closing seconds, Australia's last-ditch effort for a penalty corner was turned down, sealing a memorable victory for India.