India clinch second consecutive Olympic hockey bronze, beat Spain 2-1 in third-place play-off -Aug 8, 2024,

Harmanpreet Singh, the skipper, stepped up to the challenge yet again, scoring two goals as India's hockey team secured a 2-1 victory over Spain. This triumph earned them a second straight Olympic bronze medal and provided a fitting farewell to veteran goalkeeper P R Sreejesh on Thursday. Despite the heartbreaking 2-3 loss to Germany in the semifinal, the Indian team bounced back and displayed positive hockey throughout most of the match, ultimately emerging victorious. Spain's captain Marc Miralles had given his team an unexpected lead in the 18th minute from a penalty stroke. However, Harmanpreet (30th, 33rd minutes) responded by converting two penalty corners, securing the win for India.

Hockey India @TheHockeyIndia · Follow 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 Our men's hockey team shines once more, securing another bronze after a stellar victory over Spain! 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 Consecutive Bronze Medal for the Men in Blue after 50 years Full-Time: India -…

The Indian team demonstrated their resilience and fortitude, securing yet another podium position at the pinnacle of global sports competitions. Their achievement in Tokyo three years prior, which ended a 41-year drought, set the stage for this remarkable feat. Sreejesh, at 36 years of age, delivered an outstanding performance in the final match of his distinguished 18-year career, making crucial saves that left an indelible mark on the game. In the opening quarter, India took the initiative, controlling the play with meticulous execution. However, Spain mounted a strong comeback following the initial 15 minutes, challenging the Indian side's dominance.

Spain earned nine penalty corners compared to India's six, with India converting two of theirs. Despite Spain having more possession, India was the more aggressive team, frequently breaking through the Spanish defense in the first 15 minutes. Spain entered the second quarter with greater intensity and purpose, applying heavy pressure on the Indian goal. Spain took the lead in the 18th minute, but Harmanpreet once again showcased his top form to guide India through the challenge.