The Indian men's hockey team progressed to the knockout stages of the Olympics for the first time in 36 years, despite a 1-2 loss to reigning silver medallists Netherlands earlier on Thursday.

In spite of the loss, India qualified for the next stage as the game between Argentina and Germany was drawn 4-4. This meant that with 6 points from two wins and two losses in four games, India will not finish below the top four in their group, regardless of the result against Canada in their next match on Friday.

The Netherlands currently top the table with 10 points from four games while Germany are second, also with 10 points. Argentina are third with 5 points.