The Indian men’s hockey team made history at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, claiming their second successive Bronze medal with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Spain. This marks the first time in 52 years that India has won consecutive Olympic medals in hockey, a remarkable achievement that cements their status as the most successful men’s team in the sport’s Olympic history.
The Bronze medal match, held at the iconic Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, was a nail-biter from start to finish. After trailing early in the game, the Indian team displayed exceptional resilience, turning the tide with a stunning comeback. The final minutes were particularly intense, as the Indian defense faced immense pressure, including two short corners within the last minute. However, the team stood firm, showcasing their defensive prowess and securing a well-deserved victory.
This win was especially poignant as it marked the final Olympic appearance of veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who has been a stalwart of Indian hockey for over a decade. Sreejesh’s farewell was nothing short of heroic, as he played a crucial role in India’s defensive stand during the closing moments of the match.
In recognition of the team’s outstanding achievement, Hockey India announced a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh for each player and Rs 7.5 lakh for each member of the support staff. This gesture reflects the pride and joy the nation feels for the team’s accomplishment on the world stage.
The Paris bronze adds to India’s illustrious Olympic history in hockey, bringing their total tally to 13 medals, which includes eight Golds, one Silver, and four Bronzes. The team’s previous bronze was won at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, which had ended a 41-year medal drought for Indian hockey.
In addition to the rewards from Hockey India, state governments also announced substantial prizes for the players. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi declared a special cash prize of Rs 4 crore for defender Amit Rohidas, a native of the state, along with Rs 15 lakh for each player and Rs 10 lakh for each member of the support staff. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also announced Rs 1 crore for each player from Punjab, a group that includes captain Harmanpreet Singh, vice-captain Hardik Singh, and former captain Manpreet Singh, among others.
