'Feat will be cherished for generations to come': PM Modi hails Indian hockey team's Paris Olympics bronze

The Indian men's hockey team secured their second consecutive bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a 2-1 victory over Spain in the third position playoff match on Thursday.

The Indian men's hockey team clinched their second successive bronze medal at the Olympic Games, marking a historic achievement for Indian sports. In a thrilling encounter at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday, the Indian team secured a 2-1 victory over Spain, ensuring a memorable farewell for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

India's triumph in Paris follows their bronze medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Games, a feat that has not been achieved since 1968 and 1972. The win also provided a long-awaited reward for the Indian contingent in Paris, which had faced multiple close calls, including six fourth-place finishes and the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat.

Following this feat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian men's hockey team's historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics, describing their second consecutive bronze medal as "a feat that will be cherished for generations to come."

"The Indian Hockey team shines bright at the Olympics, bringing home the Bronze Medal! This is even more special because it is their second consecutive Medal at the Olympics. Their success is a triumph of skill, perseverance, and team spirit. They showed immense grit and resilience. Congratulations to the players. Every Indian has an emotional connect with Hockey and this accomplishment will make the sport even more popular among the youth of our nation," the PM added in a post on X.

Spain's Marc Miralles initially put his team ahead with a penalty stroke in the 18th minute. However, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh turned the tide with two goals (30th, 33rd) to secure the win. Despite a heart-wrenching 2-3 defeat to Germany in the semifinals, India dominated the match with a determined performance, showcasing their skill and perseverance.

The game was marked by intense moments, with the Indian team creating several scoring opportunities and defending resolutely against Spanish attacks. The Indian defense, led by Sreejesh, proved crucial in maintaining their lead until the final whistle.