Best farewell for PR Sreejesh! Team India wins Bronze Medal, defeats Spain 2-1 in Paris Olympics 2024

After a period of heartbreaking news in the past 48 hours, a ray of hope and happiness has emerged: the Indian men's hockey team won the bronze medal, defeating Spain 2-1 in the Paris Olympics 2024 at Stade Yves-du-Manoir. This victory secured back-to-back medals for India, having also won bronze in Tokyo three years ago, marking the first time in 52 years that India has achieved this feat. The last time India won back-to-back hockey medals at the Olympics was in 1968 and 1972.

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Adding to the inspiration, this match, which was set to be goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's final game, provided him with a perfect farewell. After the final whistle, the Indian players mobbed Sreejesh, capping off a memorable farewell for the 36-year-old. With their triumph, India's medal tally in the Paris Olympics goes up to 4, with all being bronze. Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to praise the legend and the stalwart of Indian hockey.

India vs Spain Highlights:

Harmanpreet Singh scored two penalty corners as India defeated Spain 2-1 in the men's hockey bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024. Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was playing his final match for India, made several extraordinary saves to deny Spanish captain Marc Miralles from penalty corners.

India began the match aggressively, putting pressure on Spain's defence with early attacks. Sukhjeet Singh had India's first attempt on goal in the 6th minute, but the first quarter ended goalless despite India's relentless efforts.

In the second quarter, Spain capitalized on a foul by Amit Rohidas, with Marc Miralles scoring from a penalty corner to give Spain a 1-0 lead. India struggled to respond initially, but towards the end of the quarter, they won several penalty corners. With 14.6 seconds remaining, Harmanpreet Singh scored to level the game at 1-1.

Confident after the equalizer, India continued to dominate in the third quarter and within three minutes, Harmanpreet Singh scored again from a penalty corner, putting India ahead 2-1. 

Spain's equalizing goal from another penalty corner was ruled out after a review, leaving India in the lead going into the final quarter. In the final period, Spain intensified their attack, earning multiple penalty corners, however, India's defence held firm, and secured a 2-1 victory to clinch the bronze medal.

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