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The Indian men's hockey team will begin their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign with a tricky opener against New Zealand on Saturday, July 27. The eight-time Olympic men's hockey champions, who are eyeing a second successive podium finish after having won a bronze medal at Tokyo 2021, last won a gold medal in the event at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
The Indians have been placed in a tough pool that comprises defending champions Belgium, Australia, Argentina, and Ireland apart from the Black Sticks.
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New Zealand, who won the Olympic hockey gold back in 1976, have never made it to the podium since the win in Montreal. While the top sides in world hockey took each other in the FIH Pro League competition ahead of the Paris 2024, New Zealand were not part of the nine-team competition.
The Indians have therefore not had an opportunity to play the team that knocked them out of the FIH World Cup last year. Greg Nicol's team did well to win the 2023-24 edition of the Nations Cup, as a result of which, New Zealand will be playing the elite Pro League next season.
New Zealand have a history of upsetting India on the big stage and Craig Fulton's chargers will be wary of the likes of Hugo Inglis and Simon Child.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the Indians defeated New Zealand 3-2 in their opener, thanks to three goals from set pieces, including a penalty stroke.
Another close and exciting contest is on the cards in Paris, with the Indians going into their Olympic opener as the clear favorites against an unpredictable side who can transform into giant killers on their day.
India vs New Zealand match details
Match Details: India vs New Zealand, Pool Match, Paris Olympics 2024
Date & Time: Saturday, July 27, 2024, 9:00 PM IST
Venue: Paris, France
India vs New Zealand: Head-to-head
Matches Played: 105
India - 58
New Zealand - 29
Draws: 18
India vs New Zealand: Full Squads
India
Goalkeeper: Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Sanjay
Midfielders: Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad
Forwards: Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh
New Zealand
Goalkeeper: Dominic Dixon
Defenders: Dane Lett, Charlie Morrison, Simon Yorston, Kane Russel, Blair Tarrant
Midfielders: Nic Woods, Joseph Morrison, Sean Findlay, Phillips Hayden, Isaac Holbrooke
Forwards: Scott Boyde, Simon Child, Jake Smith, Sam Lane, Hugo Inglis
India vs New Zealand: Prediction
Expect a cagey encounter in the opening quarter as both sides get a measure of the other before committing men forward in numbers. Early goals for India can seal the deal for the eight-time champions. New Zealand, however, cannot rest easy even if they surge ahead, having to contend with an outrageously talented Indian forward line.
Score Prediction: India 3 - New Zealand 1
Where to watch Paris Olympics 2024 hockey matches in India?
Hockey matches at Paris 2024 will be telecast in India on Sports 18 channels and streamed live on Jio Cinema
