The Black Sticks men have opened their Olympic campaign with a 3-2 defeat to India in Tokyo.
The Black Sticks on the attack against India Photo: Photosport
India, who have won gold medals at eight Olympics, conceded early against New Zealand when Kane Russell slammed home in the sixth minute.
The lead didn't last long, Rupinder Pal Singh equalising just four minutes through a penalty stroke, leaving the scores level 1-1 at the first break.
Two penalty corner goals from Harmanpreet Singh in seven minutes gave world No.5 India a 3-1 lead which was narrowed with Stephen Jenness's 43rd minute goal.
New Zealand's next match is against Spain late on Sunday.