Hockey India announces cash prizes for Indian Men's Hockey Team after bronze medal victory at Paris Olympics 2024
The Indian Men's Hockey Team will receive hefty cash rewards from Hockey India for the historic Bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Each player in the team will receive a cash award of INR 15 lakhs, while each member of the support staff will be awarded INR 7.5 lakhs.
Notably, the Indian team won the Bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1 at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris. More importantly, this win sealed India's second consecutive Olympic medal in hockey, an achievement occurring for the first time since 52 years ago.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with a prolific performance as he netted both goals in the 30th and 33rd minutes. The bronze medal match was special in another way as well since this was the last international game of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
Sreejesh has had a glittering career, one that has been a cornerstone of all the recent success for India in international hockey.
Hockey India congratulates the Indian men's hockey team for bronze medal finish at the Paris Olympics 2024
According to Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey, this win was another extraordinary milestone in the resurgence of Indian hockey on the world scene. He congratulated the entire team and support staff for this win and especially acknowledged the immense contribution of PR Sreejesh. He said (via Hockey India press release):
"Winning back-to-back Olympic medals is an extraordinary achievement. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate the entire team and support staff for their exceptional performance and dedication. The cash prizes are a token of our appreciation for their relentless pursuit of excellence."
"I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to PR Sreejesh for his stellar career and invaluable contributions to Indian men's hockey team. His legacy will inspire future generations."
The unity, skill, and determination portrayed by the Indian men's hockey team drew great admiration from Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh. In his statement as quoted in the press release, he reiterated Hockey India's "commitment towards supporting athletes and promoting the growth of hockey in the country." It reads:
"The Indian Men's Hockey Team has once again made the nation proud with their remarkable achievement in Paris. The team’s unity, skill, and perseverance have brought joy to millions of hockey fans across the country."
"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Captain Harmanpreet Singh, legendary PR Sreejesh, and the entire squad for their historic feat."