Indian Men’s Hockey Team defeat Spain at Tokyo Olympics

The Indian men’s hockey team have registered their second win at the Tokyo Olympics by defeating Spain.

India, ranked fourth in the world, relished a 3-2 win against New Zealand in their opening match.

They then suffered a 7-1 defeat against Australia, before securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Spain.

The match took place on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

Despite their previous loss, the Indian men played an enthusiastic and organised match against Spain.

Although Manpreet Singh’s squad dominated the possession from the start, the first goal didn’t arrive until the 14th minute.

Simranjeet Singh secured India’s initial lead, with Rupinder Pal scoring two goals in the 15th and 51st minute.

Spain kept India on their toes throughout the match. However, their pressure tactics and penalty corners were no match for India’s attack and defence strategies.

Indian goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh, also came back into his own after a morale-beating performance against Australia.

His speed and reflexes allowed for some high-quality saves and left no room for Spain to secure a goal.

Even a penalty corner in the final minutes of the match was not enough for Spain, and India walked away with a 3-0 win.

Spain is yet to register a win in the competition, after drawing 1-1 against Argentina and suffering a 3-4 loss to New Zealand.

India’s next match will take place on Thursday, July 29, 2021, against reigning Olympic Champions Argentina.

India currently ranks 38th on the medal table, with just one silver medal so far won by weightlifter Mirabai Chanu.

However, if India’s hockey match against Argentina is a success, there is a high chance Manpreet Singh’s squad can secure a place on the podium.

Elsewhere in the Games, Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain has soared into the quarter-finals after defeating German Nadine Apetz.

Borgohain, the first female boxer from Assam, showed no fear against her opponent who is 12 years her senior, securing a 3-2 victory over her.

Both fighters made their Olympic debut at Tokyo’s Kokugikan Arena. Lovlina Borgohain is the first in her nine-member team to make the quarter-final stage.

Borgohain is now just one win away from securing a medal for both herself and for India.

She will face Taiwanese boxer Chen Nien-Chin on Friday, July 30, 2021, where the pair will battle it out in the ring for a place on the podium.

The semi-finalists are guaranteed a bronze in the sport.