India defeated Argentina 3-1 to secure a quarter-final berth in hockey at the Tokyo Olympics

The Indian men’s hockey team advanced to the Olympic Games quarterfinals with a convincing 3-1 win over defending champions Argentina in their penultimate pool match on Thursday.

After a scoreless first two quarters, India broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Varun Kumar, before Vivek Sagar Prasad (58th) and Harmanpreet Singh (59th) scored in the final minutes to seal the match.

Argentina’s lone goal came in the 48th minute on a penalty corner conversion by Schuth Casella.

With this victory, India has consolidated their second-place position in Pool A, trailing only Australia, who has three wins and one loss from four games.

Argentina is in fifth place in the six-team pool and needs to beat New Zealand in their final preliminary match on Friday to remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

Each group’s top four advance to the last-eight stage.

On Friday, India will face the hosts, Japan, in their final pool match.