The team’s victory over Spain in the third-place playoff helped India extend its record hockey medal tally at the Olympics to an impressive 13.
While most of the team members returned home, the others stayed back in Paris to attend the closing ceremony of the Games.Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who retired from the sport after India’s win, was chosen as the joint flagbearer for the ceremony alongside shooter Manu Bhaker, a double medallist at the Paris Games.
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Amit Rohidas, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Sanjay are also expected to return after the closing ceremony concludes.
As Harmanpreet and his teammates emerged from the arrivals section at the Indira Gandhi Airport, they were welcomed with traditional garlands and the celebratory beats of the dhol, acknowledging their outstanding achievement at the Olympic Games.
“We have received all the support, and all our requirements were fulfilled. I really want to thank… We are very happy and proud,” Harmanpreet told the media on his arrival.
“It is a big achievement for hockey. The love that is being showered upon hockey doubles our responsibility. We will also try that whenever we enter the field, we come back with a medal,” he added.
After boarding the flight to India, the team was welcomed aboard with an announcement by the pilot from the cockpit.
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India’s bronze medal marked the 13th overall medal in the sport at the Olympics, which includes eight gold medals and one silver.
This achievement also represents a significant milestone for India, as it is the first time since 1972 that they have won back-to-back medals in the Olympic Games.
In the bronze medal match held at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, India emerged victorious against Spain with a 2-1 scoreline.
Skipper Harmanpreet scored both goals for his team in the 30th and 33rd minutes.
Harmanpreet’s impressive performance not only secured the bronze for India but also saw him finish as the tournament’s top scorer in the men’s event with a total of 10 goals to his name.
