The Indian men's hockey team landed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi amid a rousing reception on Saturday, August 10, following its bronze medal success at the Paris Olympics. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, and former captain Manpreet Singh among others were greeted with garlands upon arrival.
Watch the video of the Indian hockey team's arrival in India:
Each and every member of the team along with the support staff looked chuffed and in a mood to celebrate the historic bronze medal that came their way following a 2-1 win over Spain in Paris. After two consecutive bronze medals at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and the 1972 Munich Olympics, it is the second time that the Indian hockey team has won two consecutive bronze medals at the Olympics.
The Indian players posed with their respective bronze medals for the cameramen who had gathered outside the airport. In addition to that, a few of the players even showcased their dance moves to celebrate the success in Paris.
Retiring goalkeeper PR Sreejesh to finish on a high
PR Sreejesh, who has already announced his international retirement, has been named as one of the two flag-bearers for the closing ceremony in Paris. The veteran goalkeeper played a key role in helping India clinch the bronze in Paris.
The Secretary General of Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh thanked the Indian Olympic Association for trusting Sreejesh with such an incredible honour.
"He (PR Sreejesh) deserved that (to be the flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the Olympics). If the govt of India and the Indian Olympic committee have given him this opportunity, Hockey India thank them... It was a splendid win, winning medals back-to-back is a great achievement. But, our target was to play the final, but a mistake from the referee to let Amit Rohidas sit outside cost us and hence we are here with Bronze, otherwise, the colour of the medal would have been changed," Bhola Nath Singh said.
