Indian hockey team members return home amid much fanfare

The Indian men’s hockey team, which won the Olympic bronze medal, including captain Harmanpreet Singh, arrived back from Paris on Saturday morning.

The team secured their 13th medal by defeating Spain 2-1 in the third place match in Paris on Thursday. However, some team members, including goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, stayed in Paris for the closing ceremony.

Sreejesh was appointed as the joint flag bearer for the ceremony along with Manu Bhaker. Other players, including Amit Rohidas, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Sanjay, are scheduled to return after the ceremony.

Harmanpreet and the team were warmly welcomed with garlands and celebratory music upon their arrival at the Indira Gandhi Airport.

In his statement to the media, Harmanpreet expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the responsibility that comes with the love and support shown for hockey.

The bronze medal victory marked India’s 13th medal in men’s hockey and the first time since 1972 that India secured consecutive medals in the Olympics.

In the bronze medal match, India defeated Spain 2-1 at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, with Harmanpreet scoring both goals. His two goals took his tournament tally to 10, making him the highest goal-scorer in the men’s category.