India successfully, redo-ed what they did in Tokyo Olympics, 2021, and won a Bronze medal match in Hockey against Spain with a majority of 2-1.
The Indian men's hockey team clinched its second successive bronze medal in the Olympic Games after beating Spain 2-1 in the third position playoff match in Paris on Thursday.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh (30th, 33rd minute) scored a brace for India, while Spain's only goal was scored by captain Marc Miralles in the 18th minute from a penalty stroke.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Team India clinched the bronze medal in men's hockey by defeating Spain 2-1. The thrilling encounter saw Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh score both goals for his team, while veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made a crucial save to secure the victory.
The match began with a goal from Spain's captain Marc Miralles, who put his team ahead with 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter. However, Harmanpreet Singh levelled the score just before the half-time whistle, demonstrating his skill and leadership.
In the third quarter, Harmanpreet scored again, delivering a stunning brace that proved to be decisive.
This victory was particularly significant for India, coming after a narrow 3-2 loss to Germany in the semifinals. With this win, India redeemed itself and secured its second consecutive bronze medal, building on the podium finish achieved at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Harmanpreet Singh’s performance was instrumental in overcoming the setback of not making it to the gold medal match.
India's hockey team had a strong historical record against Spain, having won seven out of their ten previous Olympic encounters. This solid track record, combined with the return of key player Amit Rohidas, bolstered India's confidence. Rohidas, having served a suspension, reinforced the team's defence and improved their chances of earning penalty corners.
Spain, though unpredictable, presented a challenge with their mixed performance throughout the tournament. They had notable victories against top teams like Germany and Belgium, but also suffered heavy losses, including a 4-0 defeat to Great Britain. Despite these inconsistencies, India managed to maintain its composure and handle the pressure of being the favourites.
Key players in the match included Hardik Singh, who played a pivotal role in India's midfield, and Spanish top scorers Marc Reyne and Jose Basterra, who were threats to India's defence. The match was not just a test of skill but also a measure of resilience and tactical acumen.
This bronze medal win added to India’s illustrious history in Olympic hockey, marking its 13th Olympic medal in the sport and fourth bronze. It was also a poignant moment for PR Sreejesh, who was playing his final international match.
Sreejesh, known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, had been a cornerstone of India's defence throughout the tournament. His performance in the quarterfinals against Great Britain was particularly noteworthy, where he made several crucial saves, including stopping numerous penalty corners.
Sreejesh's contributions were also crucial in India's bronze medal win at Tokyo 2020, where he made key saves in the match against Germany. His final international appearance was marked by a medal, adding to his legacy as one of the finest goalkeepers in the sport.
In summary, India's 2-1 victory over Spain in the bronze medal match of the Paris 2024 Olympics was a testament to the team's determination and skill. Harmanpreet Singh's goals and PR Sreejesh's vital saves played a significant role in securing the medal.
The win not only honoured Sreejesh’s remarkable career but also solidified India’s standing as a dominant force in Olympic hockey.
The medal is fitting farewell for veteran India custodian PR Sreejesh, nicknamed ' The Great Indian Wall of Indian hockey', who drew curtains on his illustrious 18-year-old career with this match.
He will be bowing out as the best ever goalkeeper India has produced.
In the final later in the day, Germany will play Netherlands.
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