NEW DELHI: Harmanpreet Singh, the skipper, stepped up to the challenge yet again, scoring two goals as India’s hockey team secured a 2-1 victory over Spain. This triumph earned them a second straight Olympic bronze medal and provided a fitting farewell to veteran goalkeeper P R Sreejesh on Thursday.

Despite the heartbreaking 2-3 loss to Germany in the semifinal, the Indian team bounced back and displayed positive hockey throughout most of the match, ultimately emerging victorious.

Spain’s captain Marc Miralles had given his team an unexpected lead in the 18th minute from a penalty stroke. However, Harmanpreet (30th, 33rd minutes) responded by converting two penalty corners, securing the win for India.

The Indian team demonstrated their resilience and fortitude, securing yet another podium position at the pinnacle of global sports competitions. Their achievement in Tokyo three years prior, which ended a 41-year drought, set the stage for this remarkable feat.
Sreejesh, at 36 years of age, delivered an outstanding performance in the final match of his distinguished 18-year career, making crucial saves that left an indelible mark on the game.
In the opening quarter, India took the initiative, controlling the play with meticulous execution. However, Spain mounted a strong comeback following the initial 15 minutes, challenging the Indian side’s dominance.
Spain earned nine penalty corners compared to India’s six, with India converting two of theirs.

Despite Spain having more possession, India was the more aggressive team, frequently breaking through the Spanish defense in the first 15 minutes.
Spain entered the second quarter with greater intensity and purpose, applying heavy pressure on the Indian goal.
Spain took the lead in the 18th minute, but Harmanpreet once again showcased his top form to guide India through the challenge.
The last time India secured back-to-back Olympic medals was in the 1968 and 1972 editions, both resulting in bronze.

The bronze medal in Paris was a much-needed triumph for the Indian contingent, which had faced six agonizing fourth-place finishes, alongside the heartbreaking disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat.
Still trailing, India intensified their efforts against the Spanish defense, earning their first penalty corner in the 29th minute, but failed to convert.
Just 21 seconds before half-time, Manpreet made up for his earlier mistake by securing another penalty corner for India, and this time, Harmanpreet struck with precision.
India earned another penalty corner in the 35th minute, but Harmanpreet’s powerful shot was blocked by Spain’s goalkeeper Luis Calzado.

Mandeep Singh’s impressive run down the left flank led to another short corner, but Spanish defender Jordi Bonastre took a blow to his left knee to prevent India’s attempt.
Sreejesh then thwarted a Spanish attack, allowing India to maintain their 2-1 lead until the end of the third quarter.
Hardik had to be taken off the field five minutes into the fourth quarter after colliding with an opposing player and suffering a hand injury.
This occurred just after India successfully defended another short corner, which was initially caused by Manpreet accidentally hitting the ball onto Hardik’s foot.
Fortunately for India, Marc Recasens missed the target, easing the tension in the Indian camp.
With three minutes remaining, Spain removed goalkeeper Calzado in a desperate bid to find an equalizer, but India held firm and made no mistake in the dying moments.