In a thrilling contest at the Paris Olympics, India’s men’s hockey team secured their second consecutive bronze medal, defeating Spain 2-1. This victory follows their historic win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where they ended a 41-year medal drought in hockey by defeating Germany 5-4. The win at Paris marks India’s 13th Olympic medal in men’s hockey, adding to their illustrious tally of 8 golds, 1 silver, and 4 bronzes.

The match was a nail-biter from the start. Spain’s captain, Marc Miralles, drew first blood with a penalty stroke goal in the 18th minute, following a foul by Manpreet Singh. However, India’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, quickly turned the tide with his exceptional drag-flicking skills. Just before half-time, Harmanpreet leveled the score, and he struck again three minutes into the third quarter, securing the win for India. With this match, Harmanpreet concluded the tournament as the top scorer, netting an impressive 10 goals.

This match also marked the end of an era for India’s legendary goalkeeper, P. R. Sreejesh. Known for his clutch performances and multiple saves, Sreejesh played a crucial role in India’s defense, ensuring his career ended on a high note with another Olympic medal.

India’s victory adds to their medal haul at the Paris Olympics, where they have already claimed three bronze medals in shooting. The men’s hockey team’s triumph is a testament to their resilience and skill, securing their place as one of the top contenders in the sport globally. This historic win not only honors the legacy of Indian hockey but also provides a fitting farewell to one of the game’s greats, P. R. Sreejesh.