India reached the semi-finals of the men’s hockey tournament at the Olympics for the first time since 1980 thanks to a 3-1 win over Britain yesterday to set up a showdown with Belgium at the Tokyo Games. Australia and Germany will contest the other semi-final.
India, who won the last of their eight Olympic hockey gold medals at the 1980 Moscow Games, led 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals by Dilpreet Singh and Gurjant Singh. After conceding a goal in the 45th minute, India sealed the win when Hardik Singh made it 3-1 with just minutes left to play. Belgium ended Spain’s run with a 3-1 victory, including two goals from Alexander Hendrickx, who played with a bandage around his head to protect a wound on his forehead.  Earlier, Australia reached the semis by beating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout, while Germany overcame Argentina. A powerful performance by goalkeeper Andrew Charter, who kept a clean sheet in the shootouts — won 3-0 by Australia after the score was 2-2 at the end of regular playing time.