In Pics: How Indian men's hockey team rewrote history at Tokyo Olympics
Indian men's hockey team defeated Germany 5-4 in the bronze medal playoff match at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday (August 5). Manpreet Singh's side won bronze to bring home the first medal from the sport after 41 years. Here is a collection of pictures to show how the thrilling match unfolded.
Relentless attack by Germans
Indian men come out all guns blazing
In 27 minutes, Harmanpreet was bang on target with a powerful flick past young Stadler to make a dramatic turnaround in the match. Their confidence was on an all-time high after the remarkable rally, the Indians came out all guns blazing after the change of ends and took the lead for the first time in the match when they were awarded a penalty stroke for a push on Mandeep Singh inside the circle. Rupinder stepped up to gleefully grab the chance with both hands. (Image credit: PTI)
India takes the lead
Attacks by German to claw back
Trailing by two goals, the Germans were expected to come hard on the Indian defence and they did exactly that, securing another penalty corner three minutes into the final quarter and this time Windfeder put the ball into the net through the legs of Sreejesh to bring a goal back. (Image credit: PTI)
Germans building pressure
Manpreet Singh's army complete quest
There was more drama in store as India conceded a penalty corner six seconds from the final hooter, but Sreejesh and the defence once against came to the side's rescue. Finally, the Indian men's hockey team rewrote history and claimed an Olympic medal after 41 years, defeating a plucky Germany 5-4 to win the bronze. (Image credit: Reuters)