How did the Indian hockey team perform at 1968 Olympics?

The hockey events at the 1968 Olympics were held in Mexico City from October 13 to 26. The Municipal Stadium in Mexico City hosted all the games of the competition. It was the first time ever that the Games were being held in Latin America.

India was placed along with West Germany, Spain, Belgium, East Germany, New Zealand, Japan, and Mexico in Pool A. The team entered the tournament with joint-captains, Gurbux Singh and Prithipal Singh.

Surprisingly, India lost their first-ever game in the group stage of the Olympics, facing a 2-1 defeat against New Zealand. However, they bounced back by recording a 2-1 victory over the West Germany side.

Then, the Indian team dominated the hosts, Mexico by securing an 8-0 victory over them. The fourth fixture saw India secure a 1-0 victory over Spain, with goalkeeper Muneer Sait saving an astonishing 12 penalty corners.

India continued their good form in the tournament with a win over Belgium (2-1). Interestingly, Japan walked off the field due to the penalty stroke being awarded to India in the 55th minute, when the score read 0-0. As a result, India were awarded a 5-0 victory. In the final fixture, they secured a 1-0 win over the East Germany side.

With six wins in seven appearances, India finished at the top of their group and reached the semifinals of the 1968 Olympics.

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India finished with a bronze medal at the 1968 Olympics; Pakistan won gold for 2nd time

In the semifinals, the Australian team used the extra time effectively, as they secured a 2-1 victory over India. Meanwhile, the Pakistan team did well to win against West Germany with a scoreline of 1-0.

Then, the Indian team had an impressive showing to prevail 2-1 over the West Germany team to take home the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Pakistan held their nerves to seal a 2-1 victory against Australia in the final to win their second-ever Olympic gold medal in hockey.