India’s men’s hockey team achieved a monumental victory by clinching the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, marking their first Olympic medal in hockey in 52 years. A remarkable performance by skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who scored twice, and the impeccable goalkeeping by PR Sreejesh led India to a 2-1 win over Spain at the Yves du Manoir Stadium on Friday.
The victory was a momentous occasion, adding a fourth medal to India’s tally at the Paris Olympics. Despite trailing 0-1 after the first quarter, the Indian team displayed resilience and determination, turning the game around in front of a passionate crowd.
PR Sreejesh, playing his final match for India, was overcome with emotion as he celebrated the win with his teammates, marking the end of an illustrious career. India had not won back-to-back Olympic hockey medals since the 1972 Munich Games, making this victory even more special.
Under the guidance of coach Craig Fulton, India made history by securing consecutive bronze medals at the Olympics. Harmanpreet Singh’s goals in the 30th and 33rd minutes were pivotal in securing the win. Spain’s only goal came from Marc Miralles in the 18th minute.
India’s dominance over Spain in Olympic encounters was evident, having won seven out of ten previous meetings. This historic win also saw Sreejesh being honored with the title of the ‘God of Indian Modern Hockey’ by Hockey India.
The match began with India probing Spain’s defense early on. Hardik and Sukhjeet had the first opportunity, but it went wide. Spain’s Jose Maria Basterra kept India on their toes, forcing a save from Sreejesh in the ninth minute. The first quarter ended goalless, with both teams struggling to find the net.
Spain gained momentum in the second quarter, earning a penalty stroke after Manpreet’s tackle on Gerard Clapes inside the D. Marc Miralles converted the penalty with a powerful top-corner shot, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. Spain continued to press, but missed opportunities allowed India to stay in the game.
India equalized just before the end of the second quarter, with Harmanpreet Singh converting a penalty corner with his signature drag flick, making it 1-1. India then took the lead early in the third quarter, with Harmanpreet scoring again from a penalty corner, bringing the score to 2-1.
Spain suffered a setback when Bonastre was injured and had to leave the field. In the final minutes of the third quarter, Spain thought they had equalized, but the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Marc Recasens during the buildup.
The final quarter saw Spain relentlessly searching for an equalizer, but India’s defense, bolstered by Sreejesh’s heroics, held firm. The Indian fans’ chants of “India Jeetega” resonated throughout the stadium as Sreejesh made a crucial save in the last 40 seconds, securing India’s bronze medal.
This victory not only ended a 52-year wait for an Olympic hockey medal but also marked the beginning of a new era for Indian hockey, with Sreejesh’s final game serving as a fitting tribute to his contributions to the sport.
