India defeated Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024. India had also won a bronze three years back in Tokyo.
Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India’s men’s hockey bronze-medal winning campaign at the Paris Olympics as “a feat that will be cherished for generations to come” after the Men in Blue beat Spain 2-1 on Thursday. It was India’s second consecutive Olympic medal – first time in 52 years – after they won bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
“A feat that will be cherished for generations to come! The Indian Hockey team shines bright at the Olympics, bringing home the Bronze Medal! This is even more special because it is their second consecutive Medal at the Olympics,” Modi wrote on X.
“Their success is a triumph of skill, perseverance and team spirit. They showed immense grit and resilience. Congratulations to the players. Every Indian has an emotional connect with Hockey and this accomplishment will make the sport even more popular among the youth of our nation,” he added.
A feat that will be cherished for generations to come!
The Indian Hockey team shines bright at the Olympics, bringing home the Bronze Medal! This is even more special because it is their second consecutive Medal at the Olympics.
Their success is a triumph of skill,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 8, 2024
The Indians recovered from the heart-wrenching 2-3 defeat to Germany in the semifinal and played positive hockey for most part of the match to come out trumps. Harmanpreet (30th, 33rd minutes) converted two penalty corners after Spain skipper Marc Miralles gave his side the lead against the run of play in the 18th minute from a penalty stroke.
The Indians regrouped themselves and showed their mental strength to claim another podium finish at the world’s biggest sporting spectacle. This was after they broke a 41-year jinx by claiming a bronze in Tokyo three years ago.
The 36-year-old Sreejesh came up with some excellent saves to leave his mark in the final game of his illustrious career that spanned 18 years.
The Indians were the aggressors in the first quarter, dominating the early exchanges with precision, but Spain came back hard after the first 15 minutes. Spain had nine penalty corners as against India’s six of which the latter converted two.
Spain did have better share of possession but India were the more offensive side as they penetrated the Spanish defence regularly in the first 15 minutes.
They walked in with more purpose and intensity in the second quarter and pressed hard on the Indian goal.
Spain took the lead in the 18th minute but Harmanpreet brought his A game to the fore yet again to steer India through. The last time India won back-to-back Olympic medals was in 1968 (bronze) and 1972 editions (bronze).
Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold for the country, termed the victory peerless, which would be remembered for generations to come. “The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, with courage etched in every stride, you’ve brought home a bronze medal that shines with the brilliance of gold. To each of you, who donned the tricolor with pride-thank you for giving us a moment that will echo in our hearts for generations,” wrote Bindra, who shot down the 10m air rifle gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, on X.
Sports Minister Maansukh Mandaviya said the win was proof of the commitment of the Indian players. “Your exceptional performance and teamwork have showcased the best of Indian sports. This victory is a proud moment for the nation and a testament to your dedication,” said Mandaviya. Sports administrator and IOC member Nita Ambani said, “Heartfelt congratulations to our men’s hockey team on winning bronze at the Paris Olympics. Your determination, tireless efforts, and unyielding spirit have revived Indian hockey’s rich legacy at the Olympics and paved the way for a glorious future.”