So Near, Yet So Far For Odisha’s Amit Rohidas At Olympics Hockey Debut

Amit Rohidas was a stellar performer in Tokyo Olympics (Picture courtesy The Indian Express)

Tokyo: Indian defender Amit Rohidas almost came to scoring a goal at India’s opening hockey match against New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. India won the match 3-2.

Rohidas, the 28-year-old first time Olympian from Odisha, and Lalit Upadhyay came up with a decent move on the left flank for India. The New Zealand defence, however, stayed compact to avert the danger.

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team had a flying start by winning 3-2 against New Zealand in their first match. This win has kept alive India’s hope to increase its medal tally at the Tokyo Olympics.

A brace from Harmanpreet Singh, both off penalty corners, and a Rupinder Pal Singh penalty-stroke conversion cancelled out Kane Russell’s opening goal for New Zealand as India took a 3-1 lead in the 33rd minute.

However, New Zealand did manage to capitalise on a major lapse in concentration for the Indian defence. Nick Wilson received a pass on the right flank, dribbled past Birendra Lakra and set up Stephen Jenness, who scored past goal-keeper PR Sreejesh with ease.

Overall, the Indian defence along with Sreejesh came to the party just when the team needed it the most. With New Zealand pressing for the third goal and winning at least three penalty corners in the final minutes of the game, Sreejesh stood strong and kept the New Zealanders at bay by saving all three.

At the end, India were able to hang on to the lead and beat New Zealand 3-2 in their first match in the Tokyo Olympics.

The Men’s team will next face off against world no. 1 Australia on Sunday.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will take on the Netherlands at 5:15 pm (IST) on Saturday.