Belgium won first ever Olympic gold medal in men's hockey

 India won Olympic medal in hockey after 41 years as it defeated Germany in third position match 

Belgium made history in men's hockey when it defeated Australia in the final of Tokyo Olympics 2020. Belgium won its first gold medal in Olympics in field hockey. Belgium defeated Australia on penalty shootouts after finishing match at 1-1. Belgium  scored three goals while Australia bagged two goals on the penalties. Belgium goalkeeper stopped three penalties of Australian players. 

Australia, who won the silver medal, claimed their last Olympic title in 2004. 

India clinched bronze medal after defeating Germany 5-4 in a thrilling encounter. India won Olympic medal in men's hockey after 41 years. India won 8 Olympic titles in hockey till 1980 but failed to won a single medal before winning bronze yesterday.   Once a powerhouse of hockey, Pakistan failed to qualify for the Tokyo olympics.  

It was a nail biting finish of a closely fought match in which Australian goalkeeper made many saves.  After taking the lead in the 32nd minute through Florent van Aubel, the Belgians were pegged back as Australia leveled in the fourth quarter with a goal from Thomas Whetton to leave the scores 1-1 at full-time.

Belgium's men's team had never won an Olympic gold medal, with a silver medal at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Antwerp 1920 their best finishes before yesterday.

But the 2018 world champions scored three to Australia's two in the all-important shoot out to pick up the top honours in Japan. Belgium was considered as a minnow in world hockey. but its dramatic rise in last few years has surprised many. 

The shootout was not without its drama, with Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch stopping three Australian shots and the final Australia penalty having to be re-taken after consultation with the video referee.

However, Belgium prevailed in the end, writing their names into the history books with their first Olympic victory.

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