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Hockey India, bronze medal, Paris Olympics 2024, Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh, Indian men’s hockey team, cash reward, sports news, Olympic achievements, Indian hockey resurgene
Hockey India has announced a generous cash reward for the Indian men’s hockey team following their historic bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics 2024. Each player will receive ₹15 lakh, while the support staff members are set to be awarded ₹7.5 lakh each. This announcement comes as a tribute to the team’s exceptional performance and their significant achievement in the Olympics.
The Indian men’s hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, clinched the bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1 in a thrilling match at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium. This victory marks India’s second consecutive Olympic medal in men’s hockey, an achievement not seen in over five decades.
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed immense pride in the team’s performance. “Winning back-to-back Olympic medals is a remarkable feat that underscores the revival of Indian hockey. The cash prizes are a token of our appreciation for the dedication and excellence of our players and support staff,” Tirkey stated. He also extended his congratulations to legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played his final match for India in this tournament.
The match against Spain was a dramatic encounter. Despite an early setback when India conceded a penalty stroke, the team rallied with a determined performance. Harmanpreet Singh’s two goals, scored in the 30th and 33rd minutes, secured the bronze medal for India. The game was particularly significant as it was Sreejesh’s farewell, and his crucial saves in the final moments were instrumental in securing the medal.
The victory is a testament to the hard work, strategy, and resilience of the Indian hockey team, marking a triumphant moment for the sport in the country.
Historic Achievement at the Paris Olympics
The Indian men’s hockey team, under the leadership of Captain Harmanpreet Singh, secured a 2-1 victory over Spain in the bronze medal match held at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium. This victory marks India’s second consecutive Olympic medal in men’s hockey, following their previous bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The last time the Indian men’s hockey team won consecutive Olympic medals was 52 years ago, making this achievement even more historic.
Key Moments from the Bronze Medal Match
The bronze medal match was marked by intense action and high stakes. India faced an early challenge when they conceded a penalty stroke to Spain, with Marc Miralles converting it to give Spain a 1-0 lead. However, the Indian team demonstrated remarkable resilience. Harmanpreet Singh scored two crucial goals—one in the 30th minute and another in the 33rd minute—to turn the match in India’s favor.
In the dying moments of the match, legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh played a pivotal role, making several crucial saves to ensure India’s victory. His performance in this match was particularly emotional, as it was his farewell game. The team’s defensive efforts, coupled with Sreejesh’s heroics, ensured that Spain could not find the equalizer, securing the bronze medal for India.
Hockey India’s Appreciation
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey lauded the team’s performance, stating, “Winning back-to-back Olympic medals is a testament to the hard work, determination, and resilience of our players and support staff. This victory reflects the resurgence of Indian hockey on the global stage. The cash prizes are a small token of our appreciation for their relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Tirkey also extended his heartfelt congratulations to PR Sreejesh, highlighting his illustrious career and significant contributions to Indian hockey. Sreejesh’s legacy, marked by his exceptional goalkeeping skills, will continue to inspire future generations.
Impact and Future Outlook
This Olympic success not only reaffirms India’s prowess in hockey but also sets a new benchmark for the sport in the country. The team’s performance at the Paris Olympics has rejuvenated interest and enthusiasm for hockey, potentially inspiring a new wave of young talent.
