Paris Olympics 2024: Skipper Harmanpreet Singh scores brace as India ease past Ireland in men's hockey

On Tuesday (July 30), India eased past Ireland courtesy of a brace from skipper Harmanpreet Singh as the men's hockey team remain unbeaten in the Paris Olympics 2024 edition. After a 3-2 win over New Zealand and a 1-1 stalemate versus Argentina, the Men in Blue went past the Irish line-up without dropping much sweat in a crucial Pool B encounter in the Games. With this win, India have momentarily secured the top spot in Pool B, overtaking Australia and Belgium. They will face Belgium and Australia, respectively, in their remaining league games.

Talking about the contest, India were on the attack in the first two quarters. During this time, skipper Harmanpreet gave his side a lead in the middle of the first quarter from a penalty stroke. In the second quarter, Harmanpreet made it a 2-0 lead for his side. While Ireland came out all guns blazing in the second-half and put India's defence and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh under pressure, they couldn't convert any of their chances.

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Throughout the game, India's defence put up a good show, however, their finishing still remains a cause of concern. The same was the case against Argentina, which didn't allow them to earn a win. With the team set to face heavyweights Australia and Belgium next,their finishing skills will surely be part of the team discussion whereas the Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist will alsonot want tobe over-reliant on skipper Harmanpreet.

Harmanpreet has been in top form in Paris 2024, having already scored 4 goals. The other experienced campaigners such asLalit Upadhyay, Mandeep and Manpreet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Hardik Singh, etc. will also be desperate to be among the goal-scorers going ahead.

India next face Ireland on Aug 1 (Thursday) ahead of a daunting clash versus Australia in their last group-stage encounter.