India vs New Zealand ended up being a five goal thriller as Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to seal at 3-2 win for the Indians in the Tokyo Olympics hockey match
From being one of the giants in hockey at the Olympics to waning and struggling to emulate their might over the years, the Indian side was clearly on a downtick at the marquee event.
However, given the stellar improvement in the country’s ranks over the last couple of years, much was envisaged from them at the Tokyo Olympics. This Indian hockey team went to Japan laden to the brim with worldclass names, players capable of breaking the country’s duck at the games.
Taking on New Zealand in their Tokyo Olympics opener, the Indians strived for a win on Saturday. And as the country awoke from its slumber on the weekend, the land was greeted by the sweet news of India triumphing in their hockey opener.
Tokyo Olympics Live India vs New Zealand Hockey Match: India Win 3-2
However, it wasn’t a straightforward win by any means. India were put to the sword by New Zealand with the Asian side just about managing to scram through to a 3-2 win on the day.
The match contested in the Oi Hockey Stadium, South Pitch was a cracker of an affair as India rode on Harmanpreet Singh’s quality to stave off New Zealand’s threat. Taking a 3-1 lead as Harmanpreet Singh scored twice and defender Rupinder Pal Singh contributed with the one, India’s shot stopper Sreejesh put on a heroic show in the tailend of the fixture.
#cheers4india#TeamIndia #OlympicGames#Tokyo2020 #India vs #NewZealand #Hockey
2-1 pic.twitter.com/sGImqg5fOD— Naveen Sharma (@SirNoWin) July 24, 2021
#cheers4india#TeamIndia #OlympicGames#Tokyo2020 #India vs #NewZealand #Hockey
3 – 1 pic.twitter.com/XRynZgoQgv— Naveen Sharma (@SirNoWin) July 24, 2021
And we're onto the next! @TheHockeyIndia #Cheer4India #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/BcA0Z2gmkc
— Disha Oberoi (@OberoiD) July 24, 2021
Earlier in the contest, New Zealand had taken the lead as Kane Russell converted his side’s penalty corner. However it was all India from thereon before New Zealand threatened to snatch a draw from the encounter as they came out hammer and tongs in the last ten minutes of the tie.
India women’s side will also be in action later today when they lock heads with Netherlands women in the North Pitch.
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