In his social media post, the captain dedicated the victory to his nation, writing, “Hello India this is for you.” The heartfelt message accompanied a photograph of Harmanpreet affectionately kissing the bronze medal, symbolizing the team’s dedication and the significance of their accomplishment for their country.
The Harmanpreet Singh-led team clinched a historic bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1, marking their second consecutive Olympic medal – a feat last achieved 52 years ago.
The match, played on Thursday at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, held special significance as it also marked the farewell game of legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who made his final appearance in international hockey.
Harmanpreet’s exceptional leadership propelled the Indian team to a remarkable achievement, as they clinched the bronze medal through their outstanding display on the field. The captain’s personal contributions were pivotal, as he found the back of the net twice in quick succession during the 30th and 33rd minutes.
This triumph not only added a prestigious medal to India’s collection but also reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse in the global hockey arena.
With an impressive tally of 10 goals across eight matches, Harmanpreet distinguished himself as the tournament’s top scorer. His goal-scoring prowess outshone that of Australia’s Blake Govers, who managed to score seven goals, putting Harmanpreet three goals ahead of his nearest competitor.
Hockey India has declared a substantial monetary reward for the men’s hockey team and their support staff, acknowledging their remarkable achievement of securing the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Each player will receive a sum of Rs 15 lakh, while each member of the support staff will be awarded Rs 7.5 lakh.
