India claim back-to-back Olympic bronze medals with victory over Spain

Paris: India men fought back from a goal down to overcome a monumental challenge from Spain, with team captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice to help India to their second successive Olympic bronze medal on a scorching afternoon at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium.

It was a fairytale ending to the playing career of India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who made numerous crucial blocks against the Red Sticks to win an Olympic medal in his final appearance for his country.

Sreejesh – a two-time FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year, winning over 330 caps – cut an emotional figure at the end of the contest as players and staff celebrated and honoured a player who represented India with such distinction over an 18-year international career.

India’s bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 was their first Olympic podium finish since 1980. However, while their wait for another was far shorter, they certainly did not have it all their own way in a match filled with tension.