The Indian hockey team could not have asked for a better start to their first Pool 'B match against Ireland at the Rio Olympics on Sunday. India won 3-2 and though score line may suggest that the Indians scraped through, it's the full points in the bag that matters considering they have succeeded in their competition opener, something previous Indian teams have struggled to achieve.

Jubilant Indian players celebrate after their 3-2 win over Ireland in their opening encounter at the Olympic Hockey Centre in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. Pic/AFP