Indian Hockey Team Celebrated with Enthusiastic Welcome at Delhi Airport After Paris Olympics Bronze
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th August 2024
The Indian Hockey Team received a grand reception at Delhi Airport on Tuesday following their impressive bronze medal victory at the Paris Olympics. The players were met with a vibrant celebration, as throngs of fans gathered to honor the team’s remarkable achievement. The air was filled with the rhythmic beats of dhols, adding to the festive atmosphere that welcomed the bronze medalists.
Earlier in the week, the initial group of players returned to New Delhi, while the remaining team members arrived after attending the closing ceremony of the Summer Games 2024. Key figures such as PR Sreejesh, Abhishek Nain, Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay were among those who touched down in the capital, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd.
Sumit Valmiki, one of the players, expressed the team’s gratitude and excitement, saying, “It feels great. The entire country is sending us its love. You can see the atmosphere across the country. Love us more, and we will perform even better. Sreejesh gave his best throughout the tournament. We won the bronze due to his efforts.” The warm reception reflected the nation’s pride in the team’s performance.
India finished in the 71st position on the Paris Olympics medals tally, with the United States leading with a total of 126 medals. The Indian hockey team’s bronze medal was secured with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain at the Yves du Manoir Stadium. Goals from Harmanpreet Singh, scored in the 30th and 33rd minutes, were pivotal in the win, while Marc Miralles scored the lone goal for Spain in the 18th minute.
The victory marked a historic achievement for Indian hockey, as the team secured back-to-back bronze medals for the first time in 52 years, dating back to the 1972 Munich Games. Under the guidance of coach Craig Fulton, the team demonstrated resilience and skill, overcoming a 0-1 deficit in the first quarter to clinch the bronze.
PR Sreejesh, who played his final game for India, was particularly emotional as he celebrated with his teammates. His exceptional performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in India’s success. Harmanpreet Singh, with ten goals in eight matches, emerged as the leading goal-scorer of the tournament, surpassing Australia’s Blake Govers, who scored seven goals.
The reception at the Delhi Airport was a testament to the pride and admiration that the nation holds for its hockey team. The celebration not only honored their individual achievements but also highlighted the team’s significant contribution to India’s sports legacy. As the players returned to a hero’s welcome, the country’s appreciation and support for their accomplishments were evident in the jubilant scenes at the airport.
