Paris Olympics: India Beat Great Britain in Penalty Shootout Thriller to Reach Hockey Semifinals

Paris: In a heart-stopping encounter that will be etched in Indian hockey folklore, the Indian men’s hockey team secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over Great Britain in a penalty shootout to advance to the semifinals of the Paris Olympics on Sunday. The match, characterized by immense pressure, heroic goalkeeping, and unwavering determination, showcased the indomitable spirit of the Indian team.

The game was evenly poised throughout regulation time, ending in a 1-1 draw. Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty corner conversion in the 22nd minute gave India the lead, but Lee Morton’s equalizer in the 27th minute ensured the match would be decided by a shootout.

However, the Indian team faced a formidable challenge when Amit Rohidas was sent off in the 17th minute, forcing them to play the majority of the match with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Indian defence, led by the exceptional PR Sreejesh, stood firm against relentless British attacks.

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, with both teams converting their initial attempts. The turning point came when Sreejesh made a crucial save to deny Philip Roper, allowing Rajkumar Pal to score the winning goal. The Indian goalkeeper’s heroics were instrumental in securing the victory and booking India’s place in the final four for the second consecutive Olympics.

India will now face either Argentina or Germany in the semifinals as they continue their quest for an Olympic medal.