"India wins bronze in back-to-back Olympic hockey, marking the first time since 1972 that they have secured consecutive hockey medals."

At the Paris Olympics 2024, India claimed the bronze medal by defeating Spain 2-1, giving PR Sreejesh a perfect farewell. This victory marked the first time India won back-to-back medals since 1972. Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals after India initially fell behind, securing the win and their 13th hockey medal at the Olympics.

India had to make a comeback as Spain took the lead in the 18th minute of the contest. Harmanpreet delivered a game-changing performance, turning the tide in just three minutes to secure the win for India. The Indian defense appeared rock solid, with Sreejesh playing a crucial role in securing the victory.
The first five minutes were tense for both sides, with India making their first circle penetration, but without success. Sukhjeet had the first real chance of the match, as Hardik made a fine run close to the D before passing to his teammate. However, Sukhjeet's shot went well wide.

The Indian team started to increase their attacks as they entered the circle 5 times in the first half of the quarter. In the 10th minute, Jose Maria Basterra made a remarkable run into the Indian defense, forcing Sreejesh to take action to prevent a goal. Both teams made a few mistakes in possession as the quarter ended with no penalty corners for either side.

In the 18th minute, a strong move from the Spanish attackers resulted in a penalty stroke, which Marc Miralles successfully converted to give Spain the lead. Spain continued to apply pressure, effectively utilizing the wings and earning the first penalty corner of the game, which was blocked by Amit Rohidas. However, Spain was granted another penalty corner, but the shot was deflected wide by an Indian defender.

India had a good opportunity in the box, but Lalit's shot was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper, Calzado. Spain almost extended their lead, but a shot into the D narrowly missed the target. They continued to trouble the Indian defense, with Borja Lacalle hitting the post. A subsequent commotion led to a penalty corner for India, resulting in a counter-attack and their first penalty corner in the 29th minute. However, Amit Rohidas' effort was saved. In the final moments of the first half, India managed to secure another penalty corner after a dangerous ball into the D from Manpreet. Harmanpreet successfully scored from this opportunity, leveling the score.

Spain started the third quarter with some pressure but India were able to get through it. India got a PC in the 33rd minute after a smart referral as Harmanpreet scored his second one to put India into the lead. Spain immediately got a PC back but the Indian defence was up to the mark.
India would get the second PC of the third quarter and it brought out a save from Calzado. A green card was given to Abhishek as he was a little too enthusiastic at the restart.
India would break the Spanish press in the 37th minute and got their third PC of the quarter. It was stopped by the Spanish rusher as India got another PC. Or so they thought as a referral would overturn it.
Spain would start to work hard once again and got a PC in the 40th minute and it was saved by Sreejesh. Spain thought they had a goal but the a good referee referral would preserve the lead for India.
Spain were looking to find the equaliser before the third quarter ended. India were able to get a ball to the right-hand side and a shot from Gurjant was saved.

But India got a PC from it and Harmanpreet was once again denied by Calzado. That was the last bit of action in Q3 as we headed into the final 15 minutes of the game.
Spain put on the pressure early in the final quarter and they got a PC just right after the restart. The effort from Recasens was well-wide of the target.
Sukhjeet had a great chance to make it 3-1 but his shot was well wide in the 46th minute. Spain continued to push India back and almost had a shot creep into the goal. Thankfully Sreejesh took no chances and took it away.
Sukhjeet received a green card with less than 8 minutes remaining, as Spain sought to take advantage of the extra player. The Indian defense remained solid despite the pressure from Spain. The Spanish pressure led to a penalty corner with less than 90 seconds left. They were awarded another penalty corner, but Sreejesh made the save. The drama continued into the final minute with Spain getting a penalty corner. Sreejesh cleared the danger, and despite Spain getting another chance, India won the match, giving Sreejesh an emotional farewell.