“Richly deserved” - Cricket fraternity erupts as Indian hockey team wins bronze medal at Paris Olympics 2024
The cricket fraternity hailed the Indian hockey team for winning the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics 2024 by defeating Spain 2-1 on Thursday, August 8. The Indian team suffered a 3-2 loss to Germany in the semi-final. However, they fought back for the bronze medal match and ensured their second consecutive podium finish in the Olympics.
In this all-important game, Marc Miralles converted a penalty stroke to put Spain 1-0 ahead. Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh equalized on the cusp of halftime through a penalty corner. Harmanpreet was again on target as he converted another penalty corner to help India take the lead in the third quarter.
The Indian hockey team held their nerves. Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was playing his last game for the country, was brilliant as he saved a couple of penalty corners in the last minute. As the hockey team helped India claim their fourth medal at the ongoing Paris Olympics, the cricket fraternity hailed them for their historic feat. They shared their reactions on X (formerly Twitter).
“Richly deserved! The quality of hockey displayed by India in this Olympics is something I haven't seen in the last 15-20 years. What truly stood out was their fitness and the speed with which they moved. A team worthy of Gold Medal," wrote former Indian coach Ravi Shastri.
"Brilliant effort from the boys to beat Spain and a second consecutive Olympic bronze for our boys. Congratulations @TheHockeyIndia," Virender Sehwag wrote.
"A remarkable journey of resilience and determination," Dinesh Karthik said.
"Mubarkaa @TheHockeyIndia well done shero," Harbhajan Singh tweeted.
"A remarkable and memorable campaign" - BCCI congratulates the Indian hockey team for a historic feat
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a message for the hockey team. This was India’s 13th medal in men’s hockey Olympic history. India has won eight golds, one silver, and four bronzes. BCCI wrote in an X post:
"A remarkable and memorable campaign! Congratulations to Team India on securing a second consecutive Olympic Bronze Medal. A huge round of applause to the 'WALL' of Indian Hockey @16Sreejesh on a terrific career."
The Indian cricket team, meanwhile, will next face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series in September.