Indian Men’s Hockey Team Receives Grand Welcome at IGI Airport

After securing a bronze medal in Men’s Hockey at the Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian Men’s Hockey team touched down at New Delhi Airport on Saturday morning. Their victory was sealed on Thursday with a 2-1 win over Spain, thanks to a double strike from captain Harmanpreet Singh and the impressive saves by PR Sreejesh at the Yves du Manoir Stadium.

In a game filled with high tension and excitement, India turned around a 0-1 deficit after the first quarter to claim their fourth medal at the Paris Olympics. This bronze marks India’s first consecutive Olympic hockey medals since the 1972 Munich Games, ending a 52-year wait. The match was particularly emotional as it was the final international game for the veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was later celebrated on the field by his teammates, a moment that will be etched in Indian hockey history. Sreejesh, recognized by Hockey India as the ‘God of Indian Modern Hockey,’ played a crucial role in India’s historic win.

Under the guidance of coach Craig Fulton, India made history by securing back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics. Harmanpreet Singh’s two goals (in the 30th and 33rd minutes) were enough to edge past Spain, whose only goal came from Marc Miralles (18′). India’s dominance over Spain continued, as this victory marked their seventh win in ten Olympic encounters.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, particularly for Sreejesh, who was given a fitting farewell by his teammates and fans alike. As the crowd chanted “India,” the team worked tirelessly to break through Spain’s defense, though the first quarter ended goalless.

Spain took the lead in the second quarter when their captain, Marc Miralles, converted a penalty stroke following a tackle by Manpreet Singh. Spain maintained control through possession, but missed opportunities allowed India to stay in the game. Just before halftime, Harmanpreet Singh equalized for India with a powerful drag flick during a penalty corner, leveling the score at 1-1.

India took the lead early in the third quarter, once again through a penalty corner, with Harmanpreet Singh finding the back of the net. Despite Spain’s efforts, including a disallowed goal due to a handball, they were unable to break through India’s defense.

In the final quarter, Spain relentlessly pursued an equalizer, but India’s defense, led by the formidable Sreejesh, held firm. The game’s climax saw a last-minute penalty corner for Spain, but Sreejesh’s heroic save secured the victory and the bronze medal for India.

The win was a fitting conclusion to a dramatic and emotional tournament for the Indian Men’s Hockey team, who now return home as Olympic medalists, having etched their names into the annals of Indian sports history.