PR Sreejesh's final outing for India in international hockey was nothing short of legendary. The veteran goalkeeper, often hailed as the last line of defence, showcased his prowess once more in the bronze medal match against Spain at the Paris Olympics 2024.
In a match that was as tense as it was thrilling, Sreejesh made a couple of crucial saves in the dying moments. His performance ensured India secured a 2-1 victory and their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal. This is also Indiaโs record 13th Medal in the Olympic history which is most by any team in Hockey. However, after giving his best Sreejesh had some very emotional moments at the ground.
Here is the video:
BHARAT NE BRONZE MEDAL JEET LIYA HAI. PRABHU. EMOTIONAL COMMENTARY. pic.twitter.com/9lxo4x4CSa
โ R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) August 8, 2024
Our Hockey Heroes!๐๐ฎ๐ณ pic.twitter.com/6mCbaiUeFK
โ Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) August 8, 2024
The match itself was a testament to India's resilience and Sreejesh's unwavering spirit. India found themselves in a tight spot after conceding a penalty stroke to Spainโs captain, Marc Miralles, in the 18th minute.
However, captain Harmanpreet Singh, who has been in sublime form throughout the tournament, stepped up once again. He scored two penalty corner goals in quick succession during the 30th and 33rd minutes. These goals not only put India ahead but also set the stage for a nerve-wracking final quarter.
PR Sreejesh made some amazing saves in the last quarter
As Spain relentlessly pushed for an equalizer, it was PR Sreejesh's calm under pressure that became the difference between victory and potential heartache. The Spaniards dominated the final minutes, with their patient buildup play putting immense pressure on the Indian defence. But Sreejesh, as he has done countless times before, stood tall, making save after save.
Here is the video:
Back-to-back medal victories secured by the Indian Hockey team in the Olympics! ๐ฅ๐
โ JioCinema (@JioCinema) August 8, 2024
Keep watching the action from #Paris2024 LIVE on #Sports18 & stream for FREE on #JioCinema #OlympicsonJioCinema #OlympicsonSports18 #JioCinemaSports #Olympics #Hockey pic.twitter.com/TEG5RxCJnj
The final whistle brought with it a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian sports history. The entire Indian team bowed down in respect to Sreejesh, acknowledging his monumental contributions over an 18-year career. In a touching gesture, Harmanpreet Singh lifted Sreejesh onto his shoulders for a victory lap, a fitting tribute to the man who has been a cornerstone of Indian hockey.