The Indian men's hockey team defeated Spain 2-1 at the Paris Games to win their second straight bronze medal at the Olympics.

Punjab: Indian hockey players offered prayers at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on Sunday after their bronze medal-winning campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. India defeated Spain 2-1 to win their second bronze medal in a row at the Olympics. Paris Games. Had the men in blue not lost to Germany in the semi-finals, the medal color could have been better.

After landing in New Delhi on Saturday, the Indian players paid their respects to the legend at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium in the capital. Notably, PR Sreejesh, ⁠Amit Rohidas, ⁠Raj Kumar Pal, ⁠Abhishek, Sukhjit Singh, ⁠Sanjay will return to India after the closing ceremony.

On Sunday, jubilant family members and ecstatic fans greeted the musicians at the Amritsar airport with cheers as 'dhol' played in the background. After his touchdown, family members greeted the players with wreaths and warm hugs, before receiving congratulations from state political leaders Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Congress MP Gurjit Singh Aujla.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Germanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh, Gurjant Singh and Hardik Singh reached their native state. Manpreet said he had already planned to visit the Golden Temple if he won a medal in Paris.

# See | Punjab: Members of the Indian hockey team offer prayers at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar.

Indian hockey team won bronze medal in Paris Olympics 2024. pic.twitter.com/Vq42D1WJEk

— ANI (@ANI) 11 August 2024

“We had already decided that if we win a medal in the Olympics, we will pray at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)… We played well throughout the tournament… We will do well in the upcoming tournaments too..,” Manpreet said.

Harmanpreet was overwhelmed by the reception and wished for better performances in the future. “We will try our best in future so that the sport gets more love,” said Harmanpreet, who hails from Timowal village in Amritsar. The 28-year-old, fondly called 'Sarpanch', said he was lucky to lead this Indian side.

“I am very happy…we offered prayers at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)…the team played well and it is a matter of pride to win back to back medals in Olympics…many initiatives are being taken. To promote sports in Punjab…,” he added.