Indian Hockey Players Get Rousing Welcome At New Delhi Airport After Paris Olympics 2024 Bronze – WATCH
New Delhi: The Indian men’s hockey players received a rousing reception upon their landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the National Capital on Saturday following their historic bronze medal-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. After losing the semifinal against Germany by the narrowest of margins, the Men in Blue regrouped themselves to beat Spain 2-1 to finish on the podium. It was also India’s second consecutive medal at the Olympics – first time in 52 years. Three years back in Tokyo, Inda had beaten Germany for a bronze medal.
However, the likes of PR Sreejesh, Amit Rohidas, Raj Kumar Pal, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Sanjay didn’t travel with the Indian team on Saturday as they will be attending the Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony on Sunday before returning to India.
The whole Indian contingent looked in a mood to celebrate as the likes of Mandeep Singh and Sukhjeet Singh shook a leg to the dhol beats. The Indian players also flaunted their bronze medals in front of the photographers, who gathered at the airport.
#WATCH | Indian Men’s Hockey Team players celebrate as they arrive at Delhi airport after winning a bronze medal at the #ParisOlympics2024 pic.twitter.com/UN5edgVqIJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024
Captain Harmanpreet Singh thanked the Government of India, Odisha Government and Sports Authority of India for their continued support. “Medal is a medal and to win it for the country is a big thing. We tried to get to the final and win Gold, but unfortunately, our dream wasn’t fulfilled. But, we didn’t returned empty-handed, winning medals back-to-back is a record in itself,” he told reporters.
“The love that has been showered on us is a great thing. It was an emotional moment for him (PR Sreejesh) as he was playing his last match. He has been retired but he will be with us. I thank the govt of India, SAI and Odisha govt for their support… The love that we are getting now, it doubles our responsibility, we will also try to bring a medal for the country, whenever we play,” added Harmanpreet.