The revival story that began in Tokyo ended its title run in Paris as the Indian hockey team won its successive Olympic bronze medal after half a century. Inspired by an industrious captain in Harmanpreet Singh and fueled by retiring goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh's commitment, India triumphed once again.
The third-place match turned out to be an exhilarating one with India beating Spain 2-1. Both goals for India were scored by Harmanpreet Singh through penalty corners in the 30th and 33rd minutes, after an early lead taken by Spain's Marc Miralles, also by way of a penalty stroke conversion in the 18th minute.
Sreejesh turned up with some great goalkeeping during the entire match, which proved quite handy for India as the Spanish forwards were not allowed to get past him regularly.
What India achieved in Paris was a reiteration of their capabilities, having already ended a 41-year medal drought in Tokyo. It turned out to be a fitting farewell to Sreejesh's distinguished 18-year career. While announcing his retirement, the 36-year-old from Kerala said, "I always wanted to retire when people would ask me 'why now?' and not 'why not?'. I feel it is the right time.".
The last time India won back-to-back Olympic medals was in the 1968 and 1972 Games, both bronze.
It was a big morale boost for the Indian contingent, who had been dealing with multiple disappointments, not to mention the six fourth-place finishes and the unexpected news of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification on the morning of her final bout.
"Our target was gold, and we came so near. I am sorry we could not get it, but this bronze means a lot to us," said an elated Harmanpreet.
Sreejesh and Harmanpreet are among the 11 players of the 16-member squad who will return home as two-time Olympic medalists.
Spain scored first, through a penalty stroke by Miralles in the 18th minute, due to a foul by Manpreet Singh. Even though India started aggressively with the ball at their feet, making some very good early inroads into the Spanish circle, including Sukhjeet Singh missing an inch-perfect pass by Akashdeep Singh inches wide, an early penalty stroke saw Spain take the lead.
The pressure continued through the second quarter from Spain, with a number of penalty corners awarded to them, but the Indian defense, marshaled by Sreejesh, was good enough to thwart these attacks. Just before halftime, Manpreet won a penalty corner that Harmanpreet converts to level the score.
After another penalty corner chance had been foiled by Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado, India pressed again, with a shot from Mandeep Singh earning another corner; this time, though, it was blocked by Spain's Jordi Bonastre.
In the third quarter, it was 2-1 in India's favor when Sreejesh started to make some crucial saves. Hardik Singh was substituted after he injured his hand on a rival player, but India's defense was pretty stout during this time.
In the dying moments, Spain pulled out their goalkeeper in the hope of finding an equalizer. The defense stood firm for India to seal the victory and the bronze medal as the match drew to a close.
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