India won bronze at the current Olympics in Paris with a 2-1 victory over Spain. Even though the Harmanpreet Singh-led team was behind 1-0 early on Thursday, August 8, they rallied to win the bronze medal by showing incredible resilience and playing to their ability. The squad had endured a painful 3-2 setback in the semi-finals.
The skipper set a good example on the big day, firing twice to finish the job. Spain launched several attacks and won numerous penalty corners after Harmanpreet’s goals in the 30th and 33rd minutes of play, but they were unable to overcome PR Sreejesh, who was playing in his final game for the nation.
Once more, he had an outstanding night in goal, stopping numerous chances for Spain. The 36-year-old was distraught after the game and was lying on the pitch crying as his teammates gave him a heartfelt hug and a proper send-off. His retirement brought two bronze medals from the Olympics, two gold medals and a bronze from the Asian Games, two silver medals from the Commonwealth Games, one silver medal from the Asia Cup, and two silver medals from the Champions Trophy.
In the meantime, India won their 13th medal at the Olympics in men’s hockey history.
In contrast, they earned bronze in 1968, 1972, 2020, and 2024, and silver in 1960. They also won gold in 1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1980. Notably, this was the first time since 1972 that India has won consecutive gold medals in the Olympics hockey competition.
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With a brace against Spain, Harmanpreet has scored the most goals of any player at the Olympics in Paris with ten. The cricketing fraternity in Paris was thrilled to see India win four medals at the Olympics in Paris. After falling behind 1-0 in the first quarter, a number of former cricket players, notably Anil Kumble, praised and applauded the team. Notable individuals that complimented the squad were Harbhajan Singh, Venkatesh Prasad, and VVS Laxman.
Here’s how cricketers reacted:
“Hockey is an emotion” जय हिन्द! 🇮🇳 Perfect farewell to our champion #Shreejesh! Brilliant Bronze 🥉 pic.twitter.com/ejDzVNEl6F
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 8, 2024
Brilliant effort from the boys to beat Spain and a second consecutive Olympic bronze for our boys. Congratulations @TheHockeyIndia . #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/O66eymgNM7
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 8, 2024
Outstanding display by Team India and a much deserved medal for our boys.@TheHockeyIndia #Paris2024Olympics pic.twitter.com/j4ydkxmGfF
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 8, 2024
𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐋 no.4🥉
HOCKEY: India BEAT Spain 2-1 🇮🇳🇮🇳
𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢! A perfect farewell for the “Great Wall of India” Sreejesh, signing off on a terrific career between the sticks with another Olympic Bronze medal added to his… pic.twitter.com/tFbdhqMtqO
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 8, 2024
Many congratulations to the Indian men’s hockey team on securing a second consecutive Olympic Bronze medal . Outstanding effort from our boys. #Paris2024Olympics @TheHockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/yPebk7BnCF
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 8, 2024
Absolutely stunning play by the Indian Hockey team to fight back and get the game after trailing 1-0 in the first-quarter! @13harmanpreet has led the team by example! Big congratulations @TheHockeyIndia on winning the Bronze medal!#Olympics
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 8, 2024
Much deserving. A bronze. Fantastic play.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 8, 2024
Mubarkaa @TheHockeyIndia well done Shero ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sKHvJXOKGW
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 8, 2024
India
