India men’s hockey team beats New Zealand 3-2 in first match of Tokyo Olympics

Harmanpreet Singh scored a double for India, while Rupinder Pal Singh opened the scoring in the tenth minute for the eight-time former champions, currently ranked fourth in the world.

Rupinder Pal Singh (centre) celebrates after scoring the opening goal for India against New Zealand, at the Oi Hockey Stadium in Tokyo, on 24 July 2021 | Twitter @HockeyIndia

Tokyo: The Indian men’s hockey team overcame some anxious closing moments before defeating New Zealand 3-2 in an intense Pool A match to open their Olympic campaign on a positive note here on Saturday.

Harmanpreet Singh (26th and 33rd minutes) scored a double for India, while Rupinder Pal Singh (10th) was the other goal-getter for the eight-time former champions, currently ranked fourth in the world.

For New Zealand, Kane Russell (6th minute) and Stephen Jenness (43rd minute) scored the goals.

India will next play Australia on Sunday.