2024 turned out to be a memorable year for Indian hockey and the Indian men’s hockey team, in particular. The men’s side led by Harmanpreet Singh played some captivating hockey throughout the calendar year and finished fifth position on the FIH men’s rankings.
The Harmanpreet Singh-led side entered the Paris Olympics with high hopes and enjoyed a near-dream run. India found themselves in Pool B alongside the defending champions Belgium, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.
India defeated the Black Sticks 3-2 to get their campaign off to a flying start in Paris before playing a stalemate (1-1) against Argentina. They beat Ireland in their third match but suffered an agonising 2-1 defeat at the hands of Belgium afterwards.
The Men in Blue didn’t let the loss at the hands of Belgium dampen their spirits as they beat Australia 3-2. India sank Great Britain 4-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout to qualify for the semifinals. They took on Germany in the second semifinal and fought bravely. India missed its star defender Amit Rohidas in the semifinal after he was suspended for one game and lost to Germany 3-2.
Unfazed by the heartbreak in the semis, India locked horns with Spain in the bronze medal match and emerged victorious 2-1.
India tour of Australia 2024
After missing out on the Paris Olympics, the Indian women’s hockey team underwent numerous personnel changes and made a roaring comeback by winning the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Bihar’s Rajgir. Led by Salima Tete and under head coach Harendra Singh, India defeated China 1-0 to win the Champions Trophy title.
India finished the tournament as the runners-up after losing 2-7 to Netherlands in the final.
