India squared off against Ireland in the opening match of Group B hockey play at the Rio Olympics.
India squared off against Ireland in the opening match of Group B hockey play at the Rio Olympics.
RIO DE JANEIRO (Diya TV) — The Indian men’s field hockey team opened Olympic play with a 3-2 win against Ireland, penalty corner specialist Rupinder Pal Singh scored a brace, or two goals, in the contest.
V.R. Raghunath scored India’s first goal of the game, getting them on the board during the 15th minute. Rupinder doubled the lead during the 27th minute. The efforts of Irishman John Jermyn brought his team within one, however, Rupinder’s second goal of the match arrived after the aforementioned successful penalty conversion.
Conor Harte gave the Indian squad a scare, scoring in the 55th minute to once again bring Ireland within one.
The scare was only temporary, and with the win, India’s men’s team snaps their winless drought — the team failed to emerge victorious from a single match during the 2012 London Games. Ranked No. 5 in the world, India’s squad were determined to silence its critics early on — vice-captain S.V. Sunil made several speedy runs during the match.
India resumes Group B play against Germany on Monday.
In the other match in Group B, the Netherlands and Argentina shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw. The Dutch team found its goals in Jeroen Hertzberger (18th), Mink van der Weerden (36th) and Seve van Ass (43rd), while Lucas Villa (28th and 49th) and captain Matias Paredes (54th) scored for the Argentines.
