Mukhbain singh

Olympic Games: A double strike by skipper Harmanpreet Singh helped the Indian men's hockey team prevail over Australia 3-2 for the first time in the Olympics since 1972 here at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium on Friday. The Indian men's hockey team had last defeated Australia in the Olympics in Munich in 1972 when Mukhbain Singh scored a hat-trick in the 3-1 victory. It was also India's first win over Australia in the Olympics on an artificial turf.

For India, drag-flicker Harmanpreet converted a short corner and a penalty corner after Abhishek had netted the first goal of the match in the 12th minute. Meanwhile, Thomas Craig and Blake Govers found the back of the net for the Aussies.

The Indian team looked completely different on the field from the start of play on Friday. They were making inroads in the Australian circle and Shamsher Sigh even had a shot on goal in the third minute which was saved by goalkeeper Andrew Charter.