Each player of the team, which secured a bronze medal for the second time in a row, will receive Rs 15 lakh, while the support staff members are to be awarded Rs 7.5 lakh each. This announcement was made through a social media post by Hockey India on Thursday.
The team’s victory came after a match against Spain at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, concluding with a score of 2-1 in favour of India. This win marks India’s continued success in the sport, following a significant period of 41 years without an Olympic medal, which was ended at the Tokyo Olympics. The recent bronze adds to India’s extensive Olympic history, now totalling 13 medals in hockey, including eight golds, one silver, and now four bronzes.
The path to the bronze medal involved a challenging semifinal against Germany, where India faced a narrow defeat with a score of 2-3. This led them to the bronze medal match, a significant game as it was the last international appearance for PR Sreejesh, the team’s esteemed goalkeeper. Sreejesh’s contribution to the team over the years has been monumental, and his final match was a momentous occasion for both him and the team.
This achievement is particularly notable as it is the first time since 1972 that India has won consecutive Olympic bronze medals in men’s hockey.
The decision by Hockey India to reward the team financially underscores the organization’s commitment to recognizing and promoting excellence in the sport.
The financial rewards announced by Hockey India are not just a recognition of the team’s success but also an investment in the future of the sport. By acknowledging the hard work and dedication of both the players and the support staff, Hockey India aims to inspire the next generation of athletes and reinforce the country’s position as a formidable force in the world of hockey.
