They were talked about as medal contenders before the tournament and the Indian men's hockey team has already made a statement. They have become the first Indian men's hockey team in 36 years to qualify for the knockout stage of the Olympics after Germany drew 4-4 against Argentina on Thursday.
That result meant that although India lost 1-2 to the Netherlands earlier in the day, PR Sreejesh's squad would not finish outside the top four in their group, regardless of the result of their last group stage game against Canada on Friday.
The three teams below India currently are Argentina, Ireland and Canada with five, three and zero points respectively. Argentina and Ireland play each other on Friday and hence, India are guaranteed a fourth place finish even if they lose to Canada, since they cannot be overtaken by both Argentina and Ireland.
The team has been in good form lately, showing character and resilience. They defeated Ireland 3-2 in their first group match, lost narrowly against Germany 1-2, defeated Argentina 2-1 and ran the Netherlands close. As things stand, India may face Spain or Australia in the quarter-final.
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