Dramatic finish in India vs New Zealand Paris 2024 Olympics hockey opener

In a thrilling start to the Paris 2024 Olympics hockey tournament, the Indian men’s team secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over New Zealand. The match, held at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir on Saturday, was decided by a last-minute penalty stroke from Harmanpreet Singh, marking a sensational beginning to India’s campaign.

India, ranked seventh in the global hockey standings, began the match with aggressive intent. They nearly took the lead early, but Abhishek’s attempt was spectacularly saved by New Zealand’s goalkeeper Dominic Dixon. Despite India’s early pressure, it was New Zealand—ranked tenth—who struck first. A high stick from an Indian defender led to a penalty corner, and Sam Lane’s drag flick in the eighth minute found the back of the net, putting the Black Sticks ahead.

New Zealand’s early goal shifted the game’s dynamics, giving them control over possession and tempo. India’s Manpreet Singh nearly created an equalizing opportunity with a driven cross, but the ball went unfinished. The second quarter saw New Zealand captain Nic Woods sidelined for five minutes, giving India a numerical advantage. Although Sukhjeet Singh’s attempt was blocked by Dixon, India managed to level the score. After several penalty corners, Mandeep Singh capitalized on a rebound to score his 117th international goal, bringing the score to 1-1 at halftime.

The third quarter was marked by intense action from both sides. With both goalkeepers making crucial saves, India managed to take the lead in the 34th minute. A chaotic scramble in the New Zealand circle following another save from Dixon saw Vivek Sagar Prasad push the ball over the line, giving India a 2-1 advantage.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, both teams pushed hard for control. New Zealand equalized through Simon Child’s expertly executed penalty corner routine, making it 2-2. With just seven minutes remaining, a penalty stroke was awarded to India after a New Zealand defender’s foot blocked a Harmanpreet Singh shot. Singh, showing exceptional composure, converted the stroke to secure the victory in what was a gripping conclusion to the India vs New Zealand Paris 2024 Olympics hockey clash.

India’s upcoming fixture will be against Rio 2016 champions Argentina on Monday. This victory not only gives India a solid start in the tournament but also sets the stage for an exciting continuation of their Olympic journey.

Key Moments and Performances

The match showcased the high-stakes nature of Olympic hockey, with standout performances from Mandeep Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Harmanpreet Singh. For New Zealand, Sam Lane and Simon Child were pivotal. The strategic and dramatic moments of the match were a testament to the intensity of the Paris 2024 Olympics hockey tournament.

Harmanpreet Singh’s Penalty Stroke

Hockey analyst Rajesh Kumar highlighted the significance of the penalty stroke. “Harmanpreet Singh’s decisive penalty stroke in the India vs New Zealand Paris 2024 Olympics hockey match was a game-changing moment. His ability to remain calm and execute under pressure exemplifies his leadership and skill. This victory underscores India’s strategic preparation and sets a positive tone for their Olympic campaign,” Kumar noted.