India bags Paris Olympics bronze: Harmanpreet's gesture towards Sreejesh echoes Kohli-Tendulkar 2011 moment
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Aug 8, 2024, 9:17 PM ISTIn a thrilling display of grit and determination, the Indian men’s hockey team secured their second consecutive Olympic bronze by defeating Spain 2-1 in the third-place playoff at the Paris Games 2024 on Thursday.
In a thrilling display of grit and determination, the Indian men’s hockey team secured their second consecutive Olympic bronze by defeating Spain 2-1 in the third-place playoff at the Paris Games 2024 on Thursday. This victory not only added another medal to India's illustrious hockey legacy but also provided an unforgettable moment that has etched itself into the annals of Indian sports history.
INDIA WIN THE BRONZE MEDAL IN HOCKEY AT ! 🏑 🥉
Keep watching the Olympics action LIVE on & stream for FREE on 👈 pic.twitter.com/r6VKxI5htY
THE CELEBRATION BY PR SREEJESH. 🥺❤️
- The emotions can't be expressed in words. pic.twitter.com/EvKvca5MTi
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The iconic scene unfolded moments after the final hooter, when PR Sreejesh, India's legendary goalkeeper, was overcome with emotion. After an 18-year-long career that saw him earn two Olympic medals, Sreejesh collapsed onto the turf, his relief palpable. But it was what followed that struck a chord with sports fans across the nation.
Fitting farewell. For me, two heroes - Harmanpreet and Sreejesh. pic.twitter.com/t7xbvTTIkL
— AG (@alkagurha)Harmanpreet Singh: We have players in our team whose age is as much as the years Sreejesh has devoted to Indian Hockey. We dedicate this medal to him pic.twitter.com/SEZV0RZIWL
— Aman Sharma (@AmanKayamHai_)Harmanpreet Carrying PR SREEJESH on his shoulders. 💪
- What an iconic moment....!!!! pic.twitter.com/2i4P3b94p1
THANK YOU, PR SREEJESH FOR DOING EVERYTHING TO INDIAN HOCKEY 👊 pic.twitter.com/5khxFlhBFf
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)Skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who had earlier netted both goals for India in the match, joined his teammates in saluting Sreejesh. In a gesture that instantly drew comparisons to another iconic moment in Indian sports, Harmanpreet lifted Sreejesh onto his shoulders, reminiscent of the time when Virat Kohli hoisted Sachin Tendulkar after India's 2011 World Cup win.
Mein chahata hu ki India World Cup jeete or Virat Kohli ko saare players shoulder par lekar pura Ahmedabad stadium ghume jaise Sachin sir ko kiya tha..!!!
Because he has also carried the burden of a nation of almost 16 years.. pic.twitter.com/G8mnCnrjv3
𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻!
Congratulations to Team India on securing a second consecutive Olympic Bronze Medal. 🏑🥉
A huge round of applause to the ‘WALL’ of Indian Hockey on a terrific career 👏👏 |… pic.twitter.com/dNJclnnPXU
The parallel between these two moments wasn’t lost on the fans, who took to social media to celebrate the emotional and historic significance of both events. For many, Harmanpreet carrying Sreejesh echoed the deep respect and camaraderie that marked Kohli's tribute to Tendulkar, symbolizing the passing of a legacy and the enduring spirit of Indian sportsmanship.
India’s bronze in Paris marks the nation’s 13th Olympic medal in men’s hockey, with Harmanpreet’s brace sealing the victory after Spain initially took the lead through captain Marc Miralles’ penalty stroke. This bronze adds to India’s eight golds, three silvers, and four bronzes in Olympic hockey, solidifying their place as one of the sport’s great powerhouses.
As Sreejesh bid farewell to the sport, his illustrious career was celebrated not just for the medals and accolades but for the moments that will forever inspire future generations. The sight of him being carried off the field by his captain will be remembered alongside the image of Tendulkar’s victorious ride on Kohli’s shoulders—a testament to the timeless bond between Indian athletes and their fans.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on X:
Same vibes pic.twitter.com/iWgqhjiDLG
— Аshїsh Рrаdhаn 🇮🇳🇺🇦🕉️⚕️🩺 (@DrAshishPradhan)Indian Culture >>>>>
PR Sreejesh & Sachin Tendulkar showing gratitude to the game that made them legends. pic.twitter.com/rNBEm5qf5O
Two Iconic Moments in Indian Sports History !!
Cricket : Sachin-Kohli 2011 WC
Hockey : Sreejesh-Harmanpreet 2024 Olympics
❤️🔥🇮🇳✌️ pic.twitter.com/2pEBDjjEeR
PR Sreejesh x Sachin Tendulkar 🥹
📷: BCCI/JioCinema pic.twitter.com/PAJRtx8zLK
PR Sreejesh x Sachin Tendulkar
Legends bowing down to the pitch which has given them everything, one last time. pic.twitter.com/awZ0mD6gaT
This Sreejesh pose deserves a quote akin to Virat Kohli for Sachin after 2011 WC victory. https://t.co/WxKoZvWYMI
— Ansuman Rath 🇮🇳 (@_AnsumanRath)From cricket to hockey ,There is only one way to bid farewell to legends.
Both Sreejesh and Sachin got a wonderful farewell, a powerful farewell, in the same style.
Congratulations team India for back to back bronze medal 🥉. pic.twitter.com/ckzXs4aCtG
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