India beat Great Britain 4-2 in a thrilling shoot-out to qualify for the semifinals of men’s hockey at Paris Olympics. The quarterfinal match between India and Britain in men’s hockey was decided by a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Despite playing with only ten men for over 40 minutes due to Amit Rohidas’s red card, India managed to secure their spot in the semifinals for the second consecutive Olympic Games. Rohidas was dismissed for a high stick incident, leaving India short-handed.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, in his final international tournament, delivered a series of crucial saves, showcasing his exceptional skills. Harmanpreet Singh gave India a 1-0 lead with a penalty corner goal in the 22nd minute, but Lee Morton equalized for Great Britain with a field goal just five minutes later in the 27th minute.
The match, which ended 1-1 after regulation time, saw India prevail in the shootout. This achievement marks the first time since the 1972 Munich Olympics that India has reached the semifinals in back-to-back Games, following their bronze medal win in Tokyo.
The Indian team was high on confidence after the historic win over Tokyo Games silver medallist Australia in their final pool match. It was India’s first win over the Kookaburras in the Olympic Games in 52 years. India had last defeated nemesis Australia way back in the 1972 Munich Olympics before the playing surface shifted to astro-turf.
