India Wins Bronze in Men’s Hockey at Paris Olympics 2024
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh Shine
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, proudly clinched the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. The team arrived at New Delhi Airport on Saturday morning, greeted by enthusiastic supporters.
Harmanpreet Singh shared his joy, saying, “We are feeling very proud after winning back-to-back medals in the Olympics. The support we’ve received from the entire nation has been overwhelming. It was very special to talk to PM Modi. I feel really good about scoring 10 goals in the Olympics.”
He emphasized the significance of winning any medal for the country, stating, “A medal is a medal, and winning it for the country is a big thing. We aimed to reach the final and win gold, but unfortunately, our dream wasn’t fulfilled. However, we didn’t return empty-handed. Winning back-to-back medals is a record in itself. The love that has been showered on us is incredible.”
Harmanpreet also spoke about goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played his last international match against Spain. “It was an emotional moment for him (PR Sreejesh) as he played his final match. Although he has retired, he will always be with us in spirit. I thank the Government of India, SAI, and the Odisha government for their support. The love we’re receiving now doubles our responsibility. We’ll continue to strive to bring more medals for the country,” he concluded.
Earlier on Thursday, a brace from captain Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh’s effortless saves secured a bronze medal for India at the Paris Olympics with a 2-1 victory over Spain at the Yves du Manoir Stadium. Despite being down 0-1 after the first quarter, India added a fourth medal to their tally at the Paris Olympics.
Under coach Craig Fulton’s leadership, India made history by securing back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics. Goals from Harmanpreet Singh (30′, 33′) were enough to see India through, while Marc Miralles (18′) scored the sole goal for Spain. India held a superior head-to-head record against Spain at the Olympics, having defeated them seven times in their ten meetings.
Emotions ran high as India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh played his final international game. Hockey India honored him with the title of ‘God of Indian Modern Hockey’ before the bronze medal match. With chants of ‘India’ echoing throughout the stadium, the team worked hard to break down Spain’s defense in the first quarter. India came close to scoring when Hardik sent a pass to Sukhjeet, who narrowly missed the goalpost. Jose Maria Basterra led the attack for Spain, keeping the Indian team on their toes. In the ninth minute, he forced Sreejesh to make a crucial save at the near post.
Doubts Revealed
Bronze Medal -: A bronze medal is a prize given to the person or team that finishes third in a competition. It is made of bronze, which is a type of metal.
Paris Olympics 2024 -: The Paris Olympics 2024 is a big sports event where athletes from all over the world compete in different sports. It will be held in Paris, the capital city of France, in the year 2024.
Harmanpreet Singh -: Harmanpreet Singh is the captain of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. A captain is the leader of the team who helps make important decisions during the game.
Goalkeeper -: A goalkeeper is a player in hockey who stands in front of the goal to stop the other team from scoring. PR Sreejesh is the goalkeeper for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India. It is where the Indian Men’s Hockey Team arrived to celebrate their win.
Retirement -: Retirement means stopping work or playing a sport after a long time. PR Sreejesh, the goalkeeper, decided to retire after the Olympics.
Indian Government -: The Indian government is the group of people who run the country. They supported the hockey team in their journey to the Olympics.
Coach Craig Fulton -: Craig Fulton is the coach of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. A coach is someone who trains and guides the players to perform their best.
Consecutive -: Consecutive means one after another without a break. The Indian Men’s Hockey Team won Olympic medals in two back-to-back Olympics.
52 years -: 52 years is a long time. It means that it has been 52 years since the Indian Men’s Hockey Team last won consecutive Olympic medals.
