Table of Contents
On Saturday morning, the Indian hockey team returned to India after winning the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They were greeted with a grand celebration featuring bands, dhol, garlands, and enthusiastic cheers. The Indian Hockey Team increased their medal collection to 13 with a 2-1 victory over Spain in the third-place match in Paris on Thursday.
This match held special significance for goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, also known as the “Wall of India,” as it was his final game before retiring. Sreejesh was honored as one of the joint flag bearers for the closing ceremony, alongside Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris Olympics. Also read : (https://test.inpactimes.com/neeraj-chopra-wins-silver-for-india-in-paris-olympics-2024/)
Initially, Olympic silver medalist Neeraj Chopra was expected to be the flag bearer, but he himself recommended PR Sreejesh’s name for the honor of being co-flag bearer, recognizing his significant efforts and contributions to the country. Sreejesh, along with team members Amit Rohidas, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, and Sanjay, remained in Paris for the closing ceremony.
Netizens celebrate the return of Indian Hockey Team post win.
Harmanpreet Singh and the other team members were warmly welcomed at Indira Gandhi Airport this morning with garlands, dhol, and celebratory cheers. Harmanpreet expressed his gratitude, saying, “We have received all the support, and all our requirements were fulfilled. I really want to thank everyone. We are very happy and proud.” He further added, “This is a significant achievement for hockey. The love being shown to hockey increases our responsibility. We will strive to return with medals whenever we step onto the field.”
PR Sreejesh announces his retirement.
Prior to the bronze-winning match, the 36-year-old Sreejesh announced his retirement on the micro-blogging platform X. In his farewell message, he reflected on his illustrious 18-year career and expressed his gratitude. “As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to a man defending India’s honor, has been extraordinary. Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive, every roar of the crowd will forever echo in my soul. Thank you, India, for believing in me and standing by me. This is not the end, but the beginning of cherished memories. Forever a custodian of dreams,” he wrote on X.
This was Sreejesh’s fourth appearance at the Olympics. Three years ago, he played a crucial role in India’s bronze-medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. He was instrumental throughout the tournament in Paris, making several key saves, including two in the quarterfinal shootout against Great Britain.
With this bronze medal, Sreejesh’s collection now includes eight gold medals, one silver, and three bronze in men’s hockey.
