India defeated Great Britain in both 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics' quarter-finals.
Paris 2024 Olympics hockey, India into semi-finals: The Indian hockey team, reduced to 10 men in the second quarter, has defeated Great Britain 4-2 in a shootout to reach the semi-finals. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh opened India’s account to register his seventh tournament goal. At the same time, Lee Morton scored Great Britain’s only goal in the India vs Great Britain hockey match ending in a 1-1 draw after full-time.
This is India’s second consecutive appearance in the semi-finals of the men’s hockey Olympic tournament, having won the bronze medal at Tokyo 2020. In an interesting coincidence, India defeated Great Britain in both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics' quarter-finals.
The first quarter saw both teams cancel out each other’s offensive moves as both keepers were called into action, but no goals were scored. The match took a major turn in the second quarter, though, as India’s Amit Rohidas was given a red card after his hockey stick hit the opponent’s face during a run.
Despite going down to 10 men, skipper Harmanpreet Singh produced a moment of magic from a penalty corner. His trademark drag flick flew past keeper Ollie Payne to establish a surprise lead for the team. However, Lee Morton equalized the goal a few minutes later for Great Britain.
With the numerical advantage, Great Britain dominated the third quarter, barely allowing the Indian hockey team into their attacking half. Great Britain had a few terrific opportunities in the final few minutes of the final quarter as well but failed to find a way past the stringent Indian defense.
PR Sreejesh was caught in a two-on-one situation but made a terrific save to keep India alive. Despite chasing the ball for a major part of the match, India ensured they headed to the shootout.
In the shootout, Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Rajkumar Pal scored for India while Connor Williamson fired his shot wide, and Sreejesh saved Phillip Roper’s attempt when Great Britain was hit shootouts.
In the Paris 2024 Olympics hockey semi-finals, India will play the winner of the quarter-finals between Germany and Argentina on Tuesday.
