Winning two consecutive Olympic medals in hockey is a big deal: Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh

Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh on Wednesday said it was his team’s misfortune to lose to Germany despite creating several chances in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics but termed their performance of winning two consecutive bronze medals as a “huge achievement”. India repeated their performance from the 2021 Tokyo Games in Paris, defeating Spain to win consecutive bronze medals for the first time in 52 years. Earlier in the semi-finals, India lost 2-3 to reigning world champions Germany and will now play Spain in the bronze medal match.

“It (semifinal against Germany) was a very close match. I think we created a lot of chances but you can say we were not lucky on the day and missed a few chances,” Harmanpreet told PTI Videos during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Odisha government.

“But I think the bronze medal was very important. It was the last match of the tournament and I am very happy to win the match. Our effort was to fulfil our dream (of winning the gold medal), but somehow we were unlucky,” he said.

“But still we had to play for the bronze medal. So we went into the match with the mindset that we will win. We have won two consecutive medals in hockey; this is a big thing for us,” he added.

Harmanpreet was left speechless by the welcome the players received and said that the team receives the same affection every time it comes to Odisha.

“And this time we are getting even more love. Whenever the team comes here, whether it is to play in a tournament or after winning a medal, it always feels good… we get a lot of respect,” Harmanpreet said.

On this occasion, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced cash awards for the team members, in which the state’s star player Amit Rohidas was given Rs 4 crore. Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was given Rs 50 lakh, while other players of the team were given Rs 15 lakh each. The support staff was given Rs 10 lakh each.

Harmanpreet also thanked the state government for sponsoring hockey.

He said, “Odisha has the best facilities in India; good stadiums, good grounds and we are getting a lot of support from the Odisha government. To host such a big tournament and get such big crowds in the stadium is a big thing and I would like to thank the state on behalf of the team.”

Odisha has become a hub of hockey in the last few years, hosting several major tournaments for men and women, including World Cups, Asian competitions and Pro League matches.

The Chief Minister of the state was also present at the felicitation ceremony, in which the players were given a grand welcome.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)