Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Indian hockey team to offer his heartfelt congratulations after their impressive showing at the Paris Olympics 2024, where they won the Bronze medal. The team achieved this remarkable feat by defeating Spain 2-1 in a thrilling match.
In a conversation with the team, PM Modi praised their exceptional dedication and determination throughout the tournament.
PM Modi congratulated the Indian hockey team for ending a streak of Olympic losses and expressed confidence that they would lead Indian hockey into a new golden era. "Congratulations to the team. You have made India immensely proud and ended the streak of Olympic losses. I have full confidence that you will usher in a new golden era for Indian hockey," the PM said during a phone call with the Indian hockey team.
PM Modi praised Sreejesh for his role and emphasized the responsibility of building a new team. He highlighted that India's victory against Great Britain would be remembered for its superb team spirit. "Congratulations Sreejesh. Now, it is your responsibility to give India a new team. India's victory against Great Britain will be remembered for a long long time by every hockey lover. You played with 10 players. Whenever discussions happen around the world, this match will be remembered. The entire team displayed superb team spirit. Once again, I congratulate each and every member of the team," said PM Modi.
Prior to the phone call, PM Modi took to Twitter to celebrate the hockey team’s remarkable achievement. The team’s bronze medal victory marks their second consecutive Olympic medal, a feat that PM Modi described as one that will be "cherished for generations to come."
In his tweet, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the achievement, noting that the team’s success is a testament to their "skill, perseverance, and team spirit." He praised the players for their "immense grit and resilience".
PM Modi also emphasized the emotional connection that every Indian has with hockey and expressed hope that this accomplishment will further enhance the sport’s popularity among the youth of India.
India ended a 41-year medal drought at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics with a bronze medal, and three years later in Paris, they secured a second consecutive medal. The last time India achieved back-to-back Olympic medals was in 1968 (bronze) and 1972 (bronze).
India triumphs over Spain 2-1
Captain Harmanpreet Singh delivered a crucial performance with two penalty corner goals as the Indian hockey team defeated Spain 2-1 to secure a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal on August 8 in Paris. This win also provided a fitting farewell to veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
Following a narrow 2-3 loss to Germany in the semifinals, the Indian team rebounded strongly, displaying positive and determined hockey throughout the match. Harmanpreet scored in the 30th and 33rd minutes, countering an early 18th-minute penalty stroke goal by Spain's captain, Marc Miralles.
Sreejesh, who has had an illustrious 18-year career, made several crucial saves to ensure a memorable final game. India, showing dominance early in the match, had nine penalty corners compared to Spain's six, successfully converting two of their opportunities.
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