Tokyo Olympics: Indian men's hockey team beat New Zealand 3-2

New Zealand led with an opening from Kane Russell

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ITDC NEWS R With important saves by Sreejesh in the final few seconds of the game, Indian men's hockey team kickstarted their Olympics campaign with a 3-2 win over New Zealand. The Indians started as favourites against New Zealand as, after 2016 Rio Olympics, the Manpreet Singh-led side has beaten their opponents eight times out of the 11 encounters between the two sides.

New Zealand led with an opening from Kane Russell; Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh brought India back to the top, with the former scoring twice. It was a nervy fourth quarter, with Stephen Jenness bringing New Zealand one step closer to an equaliser, and a penalty kick against India awarded in the final seconds of the match.

Indian men's hockey has a rich history in the Summer Games having won the gold an unprecedented eight times in the past, the last of which came way back in 1980 Moscow Olympics. A slump followed but the last few years have seen a resurgence in fortunes. With a current world ranking of four, the Indians are considered a bright medal prospect this time around in Tokyo.