In a thrilling display of determination and skill, the Indian men’s hockey team overcame a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over Spain, clinching the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday.
The match, held at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, saw Spain initially take the lead through their captain, Marc Miralles, in the 18th minute.
However, India responded with resilience, as their own captain, Harmanpreet Singh, netted two goals (30’, 33’) to turn the tide in favor of his team.
This victory not only extended India’s record as the most successful hockey team in Olympic history, securing their 13th medal in the sport, but it also marked their second consecutive bronze in the Games.
Remarkably, India has now won successive Olympic medals in hockey for the first time since the Munich 1972 Games. Prior to Paris 2024, India’s illustrious hockey legacy included eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
Their historic bronze at Tokyo 2020 had ended a 41-year-long medal drought, and this latest achievement further cements their status at the pinnacle of the sport.
Facing world No. 8 Spain, who had stunned defending champions Belgium in the quarter-finals, the Indian team, ranked fifth globally, started the match cautiously.
Spain broke the deadlock early in the second quarter with a penalty stroke after Manpreet Singh’s infringement inside the circle.
Marc Miralles stepped up to convert, sending the ball past India’s veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was playing his final international match.
Spain, eager to secure their first Olympic medal since winning silver in Beijing 2008, nearly doubled their lead with two subsequent penalty corners.
However, India’s defense, led by the returning Amit Rohidas, held firm, denying Spain further advantage.
As the first half drew to a close, India found their equalizer through a well-executed penalty corner by Harmanpreet Singh, marking his ninth goal of the tournament and reinforcing his position as the top scorer at Paris 2024.
Just minutes into the second half, Harmanpreet struck again, this time giving India the lead with another expertly placed drag flick.
The Indian captain came close to completing a hat-trick, but Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado managed to block his third attempt from a penalty corner.
As the match entered its final quarter, tensions ran high, with both teams battling fiercely. Spain pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but the Indian defense, under immense pressure, stood resolute.
PR Sreejesh, in the closing moments of his illustrious career, made two crucial saves, ensuring India held onto their lead and secured the bronze medal.
This victory not only adds another chapter to India’s storied hockey legacy but also serves as a fitting farewell to one of the game’s greats, PR Sreejesh, whose contributions have been instrumental in India’s recent successes on the world stage.