Why Harmanpreet Singh Apologises Despite Indian Hockey’s Olympic Bronze Win
The Indian men’s field hockey team created history once more in the Olympics by clinching a bronze medal at the Paris Games after defeating Spain 2-1. Following their bronze in Tokyo, India secured the third position in Paris as well. This marks the first instance since the 1972 Olympics that India has achieved consecutive medals at the Olympics. India had previously earned bronze medals at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. Following the victory, Indian leader Harmanpreet expressed regret to the nation for falling short of claiming the gold. India had been defeated by Germany in the semi-finals.
“Field hockey holds a significant past in India. We aim to carry on that tradition. My appeal to everyone is ‘Please show more support for field hockey’. I assure all Indians that we will put in the effort and perform better in the next Olympics,” stated Harmanpreet Singh following the bronze medal triumph.
“Indian field hockey is on the ascent and we are capable of defeating any opponent. I apologize for our performance. We had set our sights on gold this time after securing bronze in Tokyo. We were sufficiently prepared for gold, but destiny was not on our side. Fate cannot be disregarded.”
Captain Harmanpreet Singh netted two goals as the Indian men’s field hockey team rallied from a goal deficit to emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline against Spain in the third-place match, securing a second consecutive bronze medal in the Olympic Games. This also marked a memorable farewell for veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as he bid farewell to the sport.
The bronze medallist Indian team from the Tokyo Olympic Games was trailing due to a goal by Marc Miralles from a penalty stroke in the second quarter before Harmanpreet struck twice in the 29th and 33rd minutes from penalty corners, leading India to a remarkable comeback and their second consecutive bronze medal in the Olympics after 52 years. India’s last bronze medals were secured in the 1968 and 1972 Games.
This medal elevates India’s count in field hockey to 13 in the Olympic Games, comprising of eight gold, one silver, and four bronze medals, solidifying the country’s status as the most successful nation in field hockey at the Olympics.
India has now accumulated four medals in the Paris Olympic Games, all of them being bronze, in addition to the three achieved in shooting events.
While Harmanpreet Singh netted two crucial goals, goalkeeper Sreejesh played a pivotal role in India’s success by standing firm and thwarting numerous attempts from the Spanish team in their quest for an equalizer.
Despite facing nine penalty corners from Spain, India displayed resolute defense and successfully prevented any conversions. India, on the other hand, earned six penalty corners and capitalized on two of them, showcasing brave defense in the final 5-6 minutes by putting their bodies on the line to deny the Spanish team.
With contributions from IANS