The Indian men's hockey team began their Olympics campaign with a 3-2 victory over Ireland at the Olympic Hockey Centre on Saturday.

India were in the accession in the first quarter and after getting a series of penalty corners, VR Raghunath finally managed to convert in the 15th minute. Ireland attacked hard in the second quarter and thought they had a goal but the decision was reversed. Against the run of play, Rupinder Pal Singh made no mistake in scoring from another penalty corner.

Ireland however managed to pull one back in the third quarter in the 45th minute to set up a tense last quarter. But India edged forward after Rupinder Pal Singh slammed in his second from another penalty corner in the 49th minute.

A goal from Conor Harte made it an exciting finish with just four minutes on the clock made in an exciting finish. Ireland just missed a penalty corner and India held on for dear life to win 3-2.