India began their men’s hockey campaign with a morale boosting 3-2 win against Ireland in their opening pool encounter in Rio de Janerio on Saturday.

Rupinder Pal Singh (27th and 49th) scored a brace while V.R. Raghunath (15th minute) opened the scoring for the eight time gold medallists.

John Jermyn (45th), Conor Harte (55th) reduced the margin for the Irishmen in the Pool B match.

India’s next match is against two-time defending champions Germany on Monday.

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