Page 45 - The Indian EYE 081624

SPORTS AUGUST 16, 2024 | The Indian Eye 45

PARIS OLYMPICS

With back-to-back Bronze, Indian hockey

shows its great comeback

India won consecutive bronze hockey medals for the first time in 52 years

since the 1972 Munich Games

OUR BUREAU
Paris

he Harmanpreet Singh-led side
secured a historic Bronze med-
Tal, defeating Spain 2-1, mark-
ing their second consecutive Olympic
medal in Hockey, an achievement
last accomplished 52 years ago. The
match, held at the Yves-du-Manoir
Stadium here on Thursday, was es-
pecially significant as it also served
as the farewell game for legendary
Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who
played his last international match.
While playing in an electrifying
atmosphere, the Indian team added a
fourth medal to their tally at the Paris
Olympics after being down 0-1 after
the first quarter.
The Indian team, led by Cap-
tain Harmanpreet Singh, delivered
a stellar performance, with the skip- Indian Hockey team players led by captain Harmanpreet Singh and goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh receive their Men’s Hockey Bronze Medals at the
per himself scoring two crucial goals
in the 30th and 33rd minutes. Their Olympic Games Paris 2024, on Thursday. (ANI Photo/Hockey India-X)
victory not only secured the Bronze
medal but also solidified India’s po- the best played at the Paris Olympics. Fulton, India created history and se- entire team and support staff for their
sition as a dominant force in interna- “Harmanpreet was the best player cured back-to-back bronze medals at exceptional performance and dedica-
tional hockey. and he proved himself. He is also the the Olympics. Goals from Harman- tion. The cash prizes are a token of
After their bronze medal at the top scorer in the Paris Olympics,” he preet Singh (30’, 33’) for India were our appreciation for their relentless
ongoing Paris Olympics, India hock- added. enough to get them across the finish pursuit of excellence. I would also
ey team coach Shivendra Singh said Indian men’s hockey player Lalit line. For Spain, Marc Miralles (18’) like to extend my heartfelt congratu-
that they have played one-sidedly Upadhyay thanked every supporter was the sole goal scorer. lations to PR Sreejesh for his stellar
throughout the Summer Games. A in India for supporting them through- Hockey India announced a cash career and invaluable contributions
brace from skipper Harmanpreet out the Paris Olympics. “I want to prize of Rs 15 lakh for each player to Indian hockey. His legacy will in-
Singh and PR Sreejesh’s effortless thank every supporter back in India of the men’s hockey team and Rs 7.5 spire future generations.”
saves secured a bronze medal for In- who has supported us from the core lakh for each member of the support Hockey India Secretary General
dia at the Paris Olympics with a 2-1 of their hearts... I want to thank every staff in recognition of their bronze Bhola Nath Singh added, “The In-
win over Spain at the Yves du Manoir player’s commitment, the coaching medal triumph at the 2024 Paris dian Men’s Hockey Team has once
Stadium. staff, and also the Government of Olympics. again made the nation proud with
Notably, India won consecutive India, SAI, and TOPs for giving us Hockey India President Dilip their remarkable achievement in Par-
bronze hockey medals for the first the facilities. Everyone contributed; Tirkey lauded the team’s historic per- is. The team’s unity, skill, and perse-
time in 52 years since the 1972 Mu- that’s why we could win this medal,” formance, and said, as quoted from verance have brought joy to millions
nich Games. Speaking to reporters, Lalit said. HI, “This victory is a testament to the of hockey fans across the country. I
Shivendra said that they have per- Sreejesh, who was playing his last hard work, determination, and resil- would like to extend my heartfelt
formed well and played as a team. “We game for India, went on the ground, ience of our players and support staff. congratulations to Captain Harman-
performed well and throughout the filled with emotions, and the rest of Winning back-to-back Olympic med- preet Singh, legendary PR Sreejesh,
tournament, we have played one-sid- the team joined him to celebrate the als is an extraordinary achievement and the entire squad for their historic
ed and as a team...” Shivendra said. momentous occasion in India’s hock- that reflects the resurgence of Indian feat. Hockey India remains commit-
Talking about Harmanpreet ey history. hockey on the world stage. On behalf ted to supporting our athletes and fos-
Singh, he added that the skipper was Under the reign of coach Craig of Hockey India, I congratulate the tering the growth of hockey in India.”

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