India win successive hockey bronze after 52 years, gift Sreejesh perfect farewell

The Indian men’s hockey team secured a second successive bronze medal at the Olympic Games, a feat not achieved in 52 years, with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Spain. This win marked a fitting farewell for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. The Indian team faced tense moments in the last few minutes as Spain had two short corners within the last minute, but the Indian defense held strong under pressure. India’s bronze medal in the Tokyo Games ended a 41-year hiatus and fulfilled expectations despite a less than perfect build-up to the Games.

The last time India won back-to-back Olympic medals was in the 1968 (bronze) and 1972 (bronze) editions. Spain initially took the lead with captain Marc Miralles converting a penalty stroke in the 18th minute, but India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh stole the limelight with a brace in the 30th and 33rd minutes, securing the victory for India. After a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat against Germany in the semifinal, India dominated the possession in the first quarter against Spain, displaying an offensive start and creating the first scoring opportunity in the sixth minute.

In the second quarter, Spain intensified their attacks, taking the lead through a penalty stroke conversion by Miralles in the 18th minute. However, India defended resolutely, denying Spain’s attempts to further their lead. India pressed hard on the Spain defense, earning penalty corners and ultimately converting one just before halftime, leveling the score with a goal from Harmanpreet.

As the match progressed, India continued to pressurize Spain’s defense, earning more scoring opportunities and defending stoutly to maintain the 2-1 lead until the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, India faced challenges as Hardik Singh suffered an injury after a collision with a rival player. Notably, Spain’s attempts to find an equalizer in the dying moments were thwarted by India’s strong defense. Ultimately, India held on to secure the bronze medal, marking a historic achievement for the team.