In a monumental achievement at the Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian men’s hockey team secured a bronze medal, marking their second consecutive Olympic podium finish. Hockey India has announced a cash reward of ₹15 lakh for each player and ₹7.7 lakh for each support staff member in recognition of their outstanding performance.
A Victory Etched in History
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian squad triumphed over Spain with a close 2-1 victory. This win not only secured them a place on the podium but also added another chapter to the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage—a feat last achieved 52 years ago.
“This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the relentless dedication and hard work of our players and support staff,” said Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey. “The cash rewards are our way of acknowledging their relentless pursuit of excellence. We are proud to celebrate this historic moment.”
The Match That Made Headlines
The bronze medal match, held at the historic Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, carried extra significance as it marked the farewell game for legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Having announced earlier that this would be his last appearance in an Indian jersey, Sreejesh delivered a memorable performance, further solidifying his legacy.
India, still reeling from a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Germany, approached the match with renewed determination. Harmanpreet Singh, the captain, led by example, scoring two critical goals in the 30th and 33rd minutes. These goals secured the victory and made Harmanpreet the highest goal-scorer of the tournament.
A Testament to Team Effort
The opening quarter of the match saw both teams displaying top-notch skills and a fierce will to win. Despite both sides maintaining a balanced ball possession, India appeared more aggressive in their attack. Hardik Singh’s early efforts on the left flank created opportunities that showcased the Indian team’s intent. Sukhjeet’s powerful shot, though deflected wide, clearly indicated India’s strategy to dominate.
As the second quarter began, India faced a setback, conceding a penalty stroke that allowed Spain to take a 1-0 lead. Marc Miralles of Spain easily converted the penalty, but the Indian team remained unfazed. The fans, rallying behind their team with loud chants of “India-India,” witnessed
Turning the Tide in the Third Quarter
Entering the third quarter with renewed confidence, India took the lead at the 33rd-minute mark, thanks to another stunning goal by Harmanpreet Singh. This goal not only gave India the upper hand but also added to Harmanpreet’s impressive tally of 10 goals in the tournament.
The Indian team maintained their momentum, dominating ball possession and creating several opportunities to extend their lead. Although Spain’s defense, particularly Ignacio Rodriguez, thwarted some of these attempts, India continued to press forward.
Holding Their Nerve in the Final Moments
As the match entered its final 15 minutes, the pressure mounted on the Indian team to maintain their lead and secure the bronze medal. The pace of the game slowed as India focused on maintaining control and avoiding mistakes, while Spain desperately sought an equalizer.
In the closing moments, Spain won a penalty corner, putting the Indian defense under immense pressure. PR Sreejesh, in a display of sheer brilliance, made a crucial save, keeping India’s lead intact. Despite Spain’s repeated efforts, including a referral for dangerous play and a re-take of the penalty corner, India’s defense held strong.
With only 44 seconds remaining, Spain’s final attempt to score was thwarted by Sreejesh’s flying save, ensuring India’s victory. The Indian team, with nerves of steel, clinched a well-deserved bronze medal, capping off a historic performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.
A Legacy of Excellence
The victory not only secured India’s place on the Olympic podium but also marked the end of an era with PR Sreejesh’s retirement. His contributions to Indian hockey have been immense, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players.
As the nation celebrates this historic achievement, the cash rewards announced by Hockey India serve as a recognition of the team’s extraordinary efforts and dedication. The 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered as a turning point for Indian hockey, a testament to the hard work and resilience of a team determined to succeed on the world stage.
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