Hundreds of fans gathered to greet and cheer as members of the Indian men’s hockey team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, arrived in the national capital on Saturday after securing their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Paris. The team extended India’s record Olympic medal haul in hockey to 13 with a 2-1 victory over Spain in the third-place match. However, not all team members returned home immediately, as some key players stayed in Paris for the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who retired following India’s campaign, will serve as a joint flag-bearer for the ceremony along with double-medalist Manu Bhaker. Sreejesh, along with Amit Rohidas, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Sanjay, remained in Paris and will return after the closing ceremony.
As Harmanpreet and the team members emerged from the arrivals area at Indira Gandhi International Airport in the morning, they were greeted with garlands and celebratory dhol.
“We received all the support we needed, and all our requirements were met. I want to express my gratitude… We are very happy and proud,” Harmanpreet, who scored twice in the medal match, told the media upon arrival.
“It’s a significant achievement for hockey. The love that is being shown to hockey increases our responsibility. We will strive to ensure that whenever we step onto the field, we return with a medal,” he added.
Harmanpreet shared that the warm reception left him deeply moved.
“It is heartwarming to see Indian fans come out to welcome and congratulate us for the bronze medal. The team put in every effort to prepare for the Olympics, and to see those efforts pay off, and the entire country celebrating our victory, is an indescribable feeling,” he said.
The team played remarkable hockey throughout the Games, highlighted by a 3-2 victory over Australia in the group stage, marking the first time in 52 years that India had defeated Australia in the Olympics.
Another incredible win came in the quarterfinals against Britain, where the team defended with a man down for over 40 minutes to force a penalty shootout, ultimately winning 4-2 thanks to Sreejesh’s heroics.
India’s vice-captain and first-time bronze medalist Hardik Singh attributed their success to the unwavering trust among teammates during the Games.
“…the unshakeable belief that a teammate will step right up to cover if you falter is what pushed us to always give our best on the field,” he said.
“The match against Great Britain was a perfect example. The midfielders backed up the forwards, the defenders supported the midfielders, and if all else failed, we had the big man, PR Sreejesh, between the sticks who saved us on numerous occasions.”
This is the first time since 1972 that India has won back-to-back Olympic medals. India defeated Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, with goals from captain Harmanpreet in the 30th and 33rd minutes.
Harmanpreet finished the tournament as the top goal-scorer in the men’s category with 10 goals.
“…we will cherish these memories for a long time. This bronze medal proves that Indian hockey is back on track. We are a force to be reckoned with, and on our day, we can be unstoppable,” Harmanpreet said.
“All we need is belief in our team and the unwavering support of Indian hockey fans. So, I urge them to keep loving hockey, keep supporting us, and we will win it all for you,” he concluded.
