Paris: Harmanpreet Singh netted two goals as the Indian hockey team, on a dream run in Paris 2024, narrowly defeated Spain 2-1 to clinch a brilliant bronze medal at the Summer Olympics. At the Yves De Manoir Stadium, Indian fans turned out in large numbers to cheer on the most passionate team, which showed Spain just how strong they had been in this campaign. As the final hooter sounded, all the players fell over goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. This was his last international match for India, and he deserved every moment of the love. Being carried around the stadium was sheer joy as Sreejesh signed off on a high note.
It is hard to believe that this team, which left the shores of India with doubts in mind, created such magic. Match after match, there was a pattern—India peaked. Yes, losing to Germany in the most crucial semi-final did hurt, but today, India held their nerves to beat Spain for a medal. This victory increased India’s medal tally to four from Paris 2024. It was also proof that the team is back to winning ways, big time, having won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics as well.
The last time India won back-to-back Olympic medals was in 1968 (bronze) and 1972 editions (bronze).
Emotions were overflowing, with fans, officials, and everyone wanting to hold the Indian flag. Hockey has that unique connection, and for Harmanpreet to score 10 goals overall was a major high. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey was also smiling. “This medal is very important for the nation,” he said. Tirkey, a former India captain, knows what it means to win an Olympic medal.
“I feel great,” said captain Harmanpreet later. “We created history again, back-to-back (bronze medals). It’s a big day for India and a big day for hockey. We were here for gold, but unfortunately, that dream was shattered,” he added. Commenting on the match, Harmanpreet expressed immense pride in how his team performed today. “Today’s game was very good. We played as a team. Everyone delivered, especially our legend Sreejesh. It was his last game. It’s a memorable game for him and a big achievement for us as a team. He gave everything to hockey in India, but now it’s his time. He is not going anywhere. He is here (pointing to his heart).”
What a match, and what style India adopted against sturdy Spain. There was a time when European teams would make life tough for India. But since foreign coaches have worked with the Indian team, there has been a significant shift. If Graham Reid plotted the win for India in Tokyo, Craig Fulton is the messiah for Indian hockey, having guided Team India to success. He became coach only 11 months ago but has worked wonders, including a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last year.
On Thursday, up front, Hardik Singh was tightly marked. But where India excelled was in controlling the midfield and ball distribution. Field goal chances were few, and the reliance on penalty corners came into focus, showing how much hockey has changed. Even more important, Amit Rohidas, so crucial in defence and penalty corners, was back to bolster the rear.
Early in the second half, there was tension for India as Spain took the lead. Manpreet Singh had committed a foul, and the umpire awarded a stroke. Marc Miralles converted it with elan.
After that goal, what stood out was India playing hockey that was bold and beautiful. There was no panic at all, even though the Spanish side was forcing penalty corners. They lacked variation, and India held together to win a historic medal.