The Indian hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has arrived in Paris intending to end their 44-year Olympic gold medal drought. The team will kickstart their campaign against world number 10 New Zealand, in what is expected to be a thrilling contest. As the most successful hockey team in Olympic history, with 12 medals, India has struggled to make an impact in recent decades, winning their last gold in 1980. However, a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 reignited hope among fans. Placed in the challenging Pool B, India faces formidable opponents, but they are prepared, having undergone rigorous physical and mental training, including a camp with renowned adventurer Mike Horn. This Olympics also marks the final chapter for veteran goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, adding extra motivation for the team to perform well and give him a memorable send-off.
Stay Informed With The Latest Hockey Pool B Match Paris Olympics 2024 Updates Between India & New Zealand :
MATCH RESULT:- India is roaring... as they beat the Kiwis by 3-2 in their first pool game at the Paris Olympics 2024. Indian Captain takes the penalty stroke in the final minute and takes his team across the winning line. Great start to the Campaign for the Men in Blue...
► SKIPPER GOALS... INDIA 3-2
Just when everyone thought Indians seemed to play on their backfoot as they passed backward before trying to break press in the right flank. Indian Skipper Harmanpreet Singh gets a penalty and strikes it straight through.
► GOAL....NZ LEVELS 2-2!!!
As the ball deflects towards the Indian custodian, Sreejesh is unable to read the rebound. The Kiwis have an equalizer.
► New Zealand gets PC
Injection goes awry for Child, a rookie mistake. But Phillips uses Hardik's leg to carry another PC.
► 5th PC for NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand's fifth PC during the third quarter. The ball is sent wide, and Sreejesh smartly saves the corner as India looks to counterattack. New Zealand earns ball possession but fails to convert it as India leads 2-1 after the third quarter.
► INDIA in an ATTACKING ZONE
While advancing past opponents close to the circle, Amit passes the ball to Sumit, who then returns it to Jarmanpreet Singh.Regaining possession, Hardik transfers it to Vivek, who then gives it to Sanjay. The left flank receives the pass of the ball.
► PC FOR NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand’s consecutive penalty corners are in vain as India defends the Black Sticks from scoring.
► INDIA SCORES 2-1
Umpire referral takes place as Vivek Sagar Prasad deflects off Mandeep into the goal but the ball seems to have touched the line and not gone past according to the Kiwi side. The referral can’t be determined and the GOAL STANDS! INDIA LEADS 2-1 AGAINST NEW ZEALAND!
► 1-1 INDIA SCORES A GOAL
As Simon Child defends Harmanpreet, India gets their second PC. Dixon had the ball trapped, but Mandeep Singh scored off a rebound and away from him. Nevertheless, New Zealand attempted a referral, but it was unsuccessful. India's goal occurs in the 24th minute of the game.
► PC FOR INDIA
India nearly loses the opportunity to join the hitting circle due to a mispass. Sanjay does, however, succeed in trapping a New Zealand player's foot within the circle, resulting in an Indian PC. Dixon, the goalie for New Zealand, appears to be experiencing equipment issues, which are causing delays.
► YELLOW CARD for NZ CAPTAIN!!!
With a 1-0 lead thanks to Sam Lane, New Zealand concludes the first quarter with Nic Woods out of the starting lineup for five minutes.
► INDIA aims for STRONG COMEBACK !!!!
Despite New Zealand's attempt to score a goal while inside the striking circle, India managed to break through. The Indians execute a brilliant long pass, but Harmanpreet Singh loses grip of the ball while attempting to defend.
► Gurjant Singh gets a green card
As soon as Gurjant Singh is granted a green card, the Kiwis start to capitalize on India's shortage of players.
► EARLY GOAL FOR NEW ZEALAND
Looks like there is some jinxing going on... New Zealand gets a PC as a dangerous ball is given a penalty corner. Same Lane scores a goal for the Black Sticks as Sreejesh misreads it. NZ leads 1-0! The goal comes in the 8th min. of the game.
► A SAVE FOR THE BLACK STICKS
Nic Woods saves an attempt by an Indian attacker with his defense. India’s Abhishek attempts to score but Dixon manages to save. Indian defenders ward away danger as the Kiwis attempt to lead the charge into the D.
► AND IT BEGINS!
The match begins with a free hit for India thanks to Lett’s tackle.
► Players take center stage!
The Men in Blue and Black Sticks enter the field followed by the two country’s national anthem. New Zealand skipper Nic Woods wins the toss and takes the center.
► We are just moments away from the India vs New Zealand Hockey match to begin at 9 PM (IST). In the men's single round of badminton, Lakshay Sen won his first match.
Here's our starting XI to face New Zealand 🇳🇿🏑🇮🇳 Let the quest for Olympic gold begin!#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HockeyLayegaGold #Paris2024 #Hockey #IndiaAtParis #Cheer4Bharat #IndiavsNewZealand #WinItForSreejesh
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.@cmo_odisha @sports_odisha @Media_SAI @IndiaSports… pic.twitter.com/9esz2aulep— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 27, 2024
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