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Paris Olympics: India's men's hockey team scripted history by clinching a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain. The triumph marked a perfect farewell for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, whose exceptional performance under immense pressure in the final minutes proved to be the difference.
Indian Hockey Team Clinches Historic Back-to-Back Olympic Bronze
Despite a challenging start to the match, India displayed remarkable resilience to stage a comeback. Captain Harmanpreet Singh's heroics were instrumental in securing the win. This achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first time India has won consecutive Olympic hockey medals since the 1972 Munich Games.
Right after clinching their second straight bronze medal, Indian hockey team broke into wild celebration.
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India's Olympic campaign has been marred by disappointment, with six fourth-place finishes and the heartbreaking disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The bronze medal in hockey provided a much-needed respite. Spain took an early lead through Marc Miralles, but India staged a remarkable comeback, with captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice to secure the victory.
India Showed Resilience After Semifinal Loss
Despite the disappointment of losing the semifinal to Germany, India exhibited a strong start to the bronze medal match against Spain. Dominating possession in the first quarter, they created early scoring opportunities. Hardik Singh's impressive pass to Sukhjeet Singh narrowly missed the target.
However, Spain increased their intensity in the second quarter, putting immense pressure on the Indian defense. A penalty stroke converted by Marc Miralles gave Spain the lead. Despite earning multiple penalty corners, the Spanish were unable to extend their advantage as the Indian defense stood firm.
India Stages a Comeback
India intensified their efforts in the second half, earning their first penalty corner of the match but failing to convert. However, with just seconds remaining in the half, Manpreet Singh redeemed himself by winning another penalty corner, which Harmanpreet expertly converted to level the score.
India continued to attack in the third quarter, earning another penalty corner that was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper. Despite a late scare when Hardik Singh suffered a hand injury, India maintained their lead at the end of the quarter. Spain made a desperate attempt to equalize in the final minutes by removing their goalkeeper, but India's defense held strong to secure the victory.
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