The Indian men's hockey team got its Olympics campaign off to a good start, defeating Ireland 3-2 in an exciting game on Saturday.

The 11-time medal winners capitalised on two penalty corners, with VR Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh converted their chances. Ireland pulled one back in the 45th minute, but Singh made the score 3-1 in the 48th minute.

The Irish kept fighting bravely and made it 3-2 with just four minutes on the clock. India, however, held firm to open their Olympics on a positive note.