The Indian men’s hockey team will be aiming to add another glowing chapter to its glorious history in Summer Games when they take the field in Paris. In Tokyo, they ended a wait that extended beyond four decades for an Olympics medal when they defeated Germany in a pulsating clash for the bronze, bringing the end to an agonising wait for a nation that has won a record eight gold medals in Olympics history.
Indian men’s hockey team has won 12 medals at Summer Games including eight gold, one silver and three bronze. Before Tokyo, India last won an Olympic medal at the 1980 Games when they won a record-extending eighth gold. It gave way to decades of frustration as the team struggled to match its lost glory. In recent years, after years of rebuilding, there’s a renewed hope around the team as it continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-rising, fast improving challenge from other nations.
The Harmanpreet Singh-led India men’s team picked for the Paris Games comprises 16 players and features as many as 11 members who were part of that Bronze medal winning squad in Tokyo. A lot has happened between then and now though. There’s a new coach in Craig Fulton who has brought with him a new philosophy – defend to win – a stark contrast to their attacking mindset under Graham Reid.
India have their task cut out though having been drawn in a tough pool alongside Australia, Belgium, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland. They will have to be at their absolute best to finish among the top-four in their Pool and qualify for the quarterfinals.
- Sports/Discipline: Field Hockey
- World Rankings: Seven
- First Olympic Games: 1928 Amsterdam
Major Achievements
- Olympics: Gold (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980), Silver (1960), Bronze (1968, 1972, 2020)
- World Cup: Gold (1975), Silver (1973), Bronze (1971)
- Champions Trophy: Silver (2016, 2018), Bronze (1982)
- Asian Games: Gold (1966, 1998, 2014, 2022)
- Asia Cup: Gold (2003, 2007, 2017)
Paris Olympics Qualification
India ensured a direct qualification for the Paris Games by winning gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. India were in scintillating form during the continental even as they stormed to five wins in the pool stage to enter the semi-finals having pumped 58 goals while conceding just five. They defeated South Korea 5-3 in the semis before outclassing Japan 5-1 to win the gold.
Recent Performances
India took part in the FIH Pro Hockey League 2023-24 and finished seventh in nine-team competition. They won eight matches and lost as many to secure 24 points. In January this year, they toured South Africa for four matches. They won and drew a game each against France while also beating South Africa. They were humbled 1-5 by the Netherlands though. In their final international assignment ahead of Paris Games, India were in Australia for a five-match Test series which they lost 0-5.
Event Date And Time
- July 27: India vs New Zealand (9 PM IST)
- July 29: India vs Argentina (4:15 PM IST)
- July 30: India vs Ireland (4:45 PM IST)
- August 1: India vs Belgium (1:30 PM IST)
- August 2: India vs Australia (4:45 PM IST)
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