Paris Olympics 2024: Rahul Dravid Attends India vs Argentina Hockey Match, Comments 'Chak De India'

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Paris, Jul 29: Former Indian cricket captain and head coach Rahul Dravid was spotted in the stands at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium watching the men's hockey match between India and Argentina at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Dravid's presence at the game draws considerable attention, underscoring his passion for sports beyond cricket and his continued support for Indian athletes on the global stage.

Dravid's attendance at the hockey match followed his active participation in discussions about the inclusion of cricket in the Olympic program for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. He even posted a 'Chak De India' comment on the message wall, urging captain Harmanpreet Singh and his band to top the podium.

During a panel discussion organized by Dream Sports at the inaugural India House, Dravid expressed his enthusiasm for cricket's potential return to the Olympics, describing it as "truly phenomenal."

He also took the opportunity to congratulate Manu Bhaker for her historic bronze medal in shooting, demonstrating his broader interest in Indian sports achievements.

Just the previous night, he was spotted watching the men's doubles tennis match featuring Indian players Rohan Bopanna and Sriram Balaji. This demonstrates his deep interest in and support for Indian athletes competing across various disciplines.

Dravid was spotted watching the India vs Argentina game with keen interest. The Indian men's hockey team commenced their Paris 2024 campaign on July 27 against New Zealand, where they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory. The match against Argentina is expected to be equally intense, and Dravid's presence is a testament to his support for the Indian contingent.

The opening Pool-B match saw India display a determined performance in front of a vociferous crowd of 4,000 spectators. India's victory against New Zealand was hard-fought and showcased the team's resilience. New Zealand initially took the lead in the eighth minute due to a penalty corner converted by Sam Lane, capitalising on a mistake by Indian defender Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Despite the early setback, India demonstrated their composure and strategic prowess. Amit Rohidas emerged as a defensive stalwart, making crucial tackles and clearances. India's response came through Mandeep Singh, who scored a rebound goal to equalise after two successive short corners.

The Harmanpreet Singh-led team then gained the lead in the 34th minute when Vivek scored from a scramble, pushing India ahead. Throughout the match, India's defence was put to the test, particularly with New Zealand's aggressive short corners. The Indian team managed to block four penalty corners, including three in quick succession, showcasing their defensive resilience.

Sukhjeet Singh's skilful play in the penultimate quarter also highlighted India's tactical advancements. New Zealand, however, was persistent and earned three more short corners towards the end of the game.

Simon Child's conversion from one of these corners provided a late challenge. Despite this, India's captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a crucial penalty stroke in the 59th minute, sealing the win to the delight of the fans.

His attendance at both the tennis match and the hockey game highlights his dedication to celebrating and promoting Indian sports achievements, reinforcing his role as a significant supporter of Indian athletes across various disciplines.