In a historic achievement, the Indian men’s hockey team has secured its spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics following a dominant 5-2 victory over New Zealand in the final match of the Olympic qualifiers held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The Indian team, led by captain Manpreet Singh, displayed exceptional skill and coordination, leaving the Kiwi defense scrambling. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans cheered every move of the home team, which has been in scintillating form throughout the qualifiers.

India started strong, with Harmanpreet Singh converting a penalty corner in the 10th minute to give the hosts an early lead. This was quickly followed by a field goal from Mandeep Singh, doubling India’s advantage. New Zealand managed to pull one back through a well-executed penalty corner by Kane Russell, but the Indian defense remained resolute.

In the second half, India extended their lead with goals from Vivek Sagar Prasad and Akashdeep Singh, making it 4-1. New Zealand fought back with another goal by Simon Child, but it was too little too late as India’s relentless pressure paid off with a final goal by Lalit Upadhyay in the closing minutes of the match.

Speaking after the match, Manpreet Singh praised his team’s effort and dedication. “This victory is a testament to the hard work and determination of the entire squad. Securing our place in the Paris Olympics is a dream come true, and we are all very proud,” he said.

Coach Graham Reid also expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. “The boys played exceptionally well. They stuck to the game plan, executed their skills perfectly, and showed great character. We now need to maintain this momentum as we prepare for the Olympics,” Reid stated.

The Indian team’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a significant milestone, continuing their resurgence in international hockey. With a strong blend of experienced players and young talents, India looks poised to make a strong impact at the upcoming Olympic Games.

Fans across the country celebrated the victory, with social media flooded with congratulatory messages for the team. The Indian hockey team’s achievement is not just a sporting triumph but also a source of immense national pride, rekindling the country’s historic love affair with the sport.

As preparations begin for the Paris Olympics, the Indian men’s hockey team will aim to build on this success and strive for a podium finish, hoping to bring back memories of the golden era of Indian hockey.