India ended a four-decade-long drought by winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Three years later, they reinforced their status as a top-tier team in world hockey by clinching another bronze at the historic Yves du Manoir Stadium in Paris. In a thrilling match under the scorching afternoon sun, India, which had switched to coach Craig Fulton just three months before the previous year’s Asian Games and swiftly adapted to a defense-first approach, came from behind to edge out a resilient Spain 2-1 in the bronze medal match.
This marked India’s first back-to-back Olympic medals since 1972 in Munich. The country’s fourth bronze and 13th Olympic medal also served as a fitting farewell to PR Sreejesh, who concluded his illustrious two-decade international career. The Indian team, showing clear intent from the start and improving significantly throughout the tournament, sustained their momentum and fulfilled their potential. The second period was especially intense, with Spain ramping up their efforts to breach the Indian defense from both flanks.
Spain struck first when Pepe Clapes was fouled inside the Indian circle, leading to a penalty stroke. Captain Marc Miralles successfully shot to the top right corner, beating Sreejesh. Although Spain earned three penalty corners, India’s defense, led by Amit Rohidas, held firm. Spain almost doubled their lead when Clapes sent a cross from the left, but Borja Lacalle failed to connect in front of the goal.
After some back-and-forth play, India regained control and earned two short corners, with Harmanpreet Singh’s fast and low drag-flick equalizing the score just before halftime.
India took the lead early in the penultimate quarter, thanks to Harmanpreet’s excellent penalty corner conversion, which secured the second goal for his team.