Olympic-medalist Indian hockey team receives warm welcome at Delhi airport
The Indian men's hockey team, which clinched the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, received a celebratory welcome upon their return to India. Drums were beaten outside the IGI Airport in Delhi as fans gathered in huge numbers to get glimpses of the players. Notably, PR Sreejesh, Abhishek Nain, Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay were among the players who reached Delhi today (August 13).
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India defeated Spain to taste glory
Notably, the Indian hockey team defeated Spain 2-1 in the bronze-medal match. It was a heroic show from Harmanpreet Singh's men at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium. India came from behind to win the contest. Skipper Harmanpreet scored both goals for India. Notably, India were out of the gold-medal race after losing 3-2 to Germany in the semis.
India finished second in Pool B
Earlier, India overcame New Zealand 3-2 before playing out a 1-1 draw against Argentina. Thereafter, a 2-0 win over Ireland followed suit. India were beaten by Belgium next in a 2-1 affair. India stunned Australia 3-2 in their final Pool B encounter. Harmanpreet's team, which finished second in their pool, beat Great Britain through a shootout in the quarter-final.
This Indian team should be lauded
This Indian team was one of the best sides in Paris. Wins against top teams like Australia and Great Britain showed a lot of character where the team didn't budge under pressure. Even in defeats against superior sides like Belgium and Germany, Harmanpreet's side put up a lot of fight, only to lose by a whisker. India would be pleased with their showing.
13 Olympic medals for India in hockey
The Indian hockey team has won eight gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1980). Apart from eight golds, the team has won one silver medal in 1960 and 4 bronze medals (1968, 1972, 2020 and 2024). Moreover, India's hockey team has won consecutive Olympic Games medals for the first time since 1972. They clinched in the 2020 Tokyo Games as well.
