The leadership of Harmanpreet Singh guided the Indian men’s hockey team in an impressive display, securing a bronze medal by winning over Spain with a score of 2-1. This triumph marked the team’s second straight Olympic medal, following their achievements in 1968 and 1972. It also brought an end to a one-week stretch without any medals for India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Indian female cricketers utilized social media to extend their congratulations to the team for this historic feat.
Spain initially gained the advantage in the bronze medal match as Marc Miralles netted a goal from a penalty corner in the 18th minute of the second quarter. India swiftly responded in the same quarter when Harmanpreet Singh leveled the score with another penalty corner. The tide turned in India’s favor in the 33rd minute of the third quarter when Harmanpreet Singh found the net once more, putting India in the lead with his tenth goal of the tournament, seven of which came from penalty corners. Despite Spain’s strong first-half performance, India mounted a strong comeback in the subsequent quarters. They capitalized on penalty corners for scoring while showcasing solid defense, notably led by veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
This win marked India’s fourth medal at the Paris Games and acted as a fitting farewell for PR Sreejesh, who had announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics. His outstanding defensive skills and crucial saves played a pivotal role in India’s bronze medal victory.
In honor of this accomplishment, Indian women cricketers turned to social media to rejoice in the victory. Current Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur posted an Instagram story appreciating the hockey team, while Jemimah Rodrigues expressed her joy through her own story. Harleen Deol also shared a message, acknowledging the team’s valiant effort with the words “Well done boys.” Spinner Sneh Rana extended her heartfelt congratulations to the men’s team on Twitter.
Former Indian skipper and renowned figure Mithali Raj also tweeted and shared an Instagram story about the victory, highlighting the team’s composure during the thrilling match against Spain and applauding their remarkable feat of securing back-to-back Olympic bronze medals.
Former Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami tweeted, commending the team’s positive mindset following their loss in the semifinals and congratulating them on their hard-earned victory. She praised the team’s warrior-like spirit and echoed the sentiments of every Indian with the phrase “CHAK DE, INDIA.” Goswami also posted an Instagram story emphasizing the determination and glory the team brought to the nation.
Former Indian captain and commentator Anjum Chopra lauded the hockey team for their resilience in bouncing back stronger, highlighting the adversities in sports where triumphs are not just hard-fought but also possess a unique beauty in their attainment.
Blood, sweat, tears, and a hard-fought win for India. The joy and jubilation will be gratifying. Great job gentlem @TheHockeyIndia. #Hockey @Media_SAI 👏👏👏
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) August 8, 2024
The medal’s color could have been different for our team #Hockey #Olympics but that’s the essence of sports… it gives us an opportunity to return stronger and better. Sports are challenging, triumphs are hard-earned yet exquisite. Fantastic work gentlemen 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/rBdDbCNRa0
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) August 8, 2024
What an electrifying match! The Indian hockey squad displayed their true grit, orchestrating a remarkable comeback to secure 🥉 in #Paris2024.
Winning medals in consecutive #Olympics is a significant achievement. Massive kudos on this extraordinary feat! Keep playing hard and… pic.twitter.com/eC6jO6Fob6
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 8, 2024
Congratulations boys 🇮🇳🏑
Respect🫡@16Sreejesh @13harmanpreet #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/ODTVjpO1GX— Sneh Rana (@SnehRana15) August 8, 2024
Congratulations bhaiya on a standout career..👏🏻
Wishing you success and happiness in whatever this new journey brings you..
Happy Retirement LEGEND 🙌🏻🇮🇳@16Sreejesh pic.twitter.com/owczxaQscP— Sneh Rana (@SnehRana15) August 8, 2024
Congratulations Team India, for securing the 4th Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. @TheHockeyIndia, you guys fought like lions out there. I’m sure every Indian right now wants to scream only 3 words, “Chak De India,” and I’m doing that too 🇮🇳💙#HockeyIndia #Olympics2024… pic.twitter.com/M3SSJ1l9c1
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) August 8, 2024
Image Source: Asian Cricket Council @ YouTube
