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India's performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a testament to the nation's growing prowess in sports. With six medals, India fell just short of its record tally from Tokyo 2020, but it marked the country's third-best outing at the Summer Games.Archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, and tennis were the 16 sports in which Indian athletes competed. Athletics boasted the largest Indian representation with a 29-member squad, while shooting fielded a record 21 shooters.Beyond medals, Indian athletes also set new records at the Games. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, added to his legacy with a silver medal, becoming the fifth two-time Olympic medallist from India. Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, claiming bronze in the 10m air pistol event.Bhaker also teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to win India's first-ever Olympic medal in shooting team events. Swapnil Kusale's bronze in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions marked India's best medals tally in one sport at the Olympics, with three medals in shooting.The Indian men's hockey team continued their resurgence, winning bronze for the second consecutive Olympics. This was India's first back-to-back Olympic medals in hockey since Munich 1972. Harmanpreet Singh emerged as India's top scorer with 10 goals, while PR Sreejesh made crucial saves throughout the tournament.In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat finished fourth in the mixed team event, securing India's best result in the sport at the Olympics. Lakshya Sen became the first Indian shuttler to reach the semi-finals in men's badminton, while Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula made history in table tennis by reaching the pre-quarterfinals.India's performance at the Paris Olympics showcased the nation's growing competitiveness on the global stage. With a strong contingent of athletes and a focus on excellence, India is poised for continued success in future Olympic Games.

Legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has bid farewell to his illustrious international career after helping India secure a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The iconic shot-stopper, who has been a cornerstone of the Indian team for nearly two decades, was recently spotted in a viral social media post standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, proudly displaying his hard-earned bronze medal.Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. The 36-year-old has been a rock-solid presence in the Indian goal, playing a pivotal role in the team's success over the years. His agility, reflexes, and leadership have been instrumental in India's rise to prominence in the international hockey arena.Despite his retirement, Sreejesh remains optimistic about the future of Indian hockey. He believes that the country has an abundance of talent and that a suitable replacement for him will emerge in due time. "There won't be a vacuum. Someone will come in my place, for sure," Sreejesh said in an interview.Sreejesh's retirement has left a void in the Indian team, but he is confident that the younger generation of players will step up and fill his shoes. He has been offered a mentoring role in the Indian junior team set-up, where he hopes to impart his knowledge and experience to the next generation of hockey stars.Sreejesh's retirement is a bittersweet moment for Indian hockey. While the team will miss his presence on the field, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His unwavering dedication, passion, and love for the game have made him a true icon of Indian sport.

Amit Rohidas, India's defensive mainstay, endured sleepless nights after his red card in the hockey quarterfinal against Great Britain led to a one-match suspension for the semifinal. However, he expressed gratitude to his teammates for their unwavering support during this challenging time.Despite the setback, the Indian men's hockey team secured a record-extending successive bronze medal, their 13th Olympic hockey medal. Rohidas' red card in the 17th minute of the quarterfinals, which was upgraded to a red card after a video referral, resulted in his suspension for the semifinal against Germany.Reflecting on the incident, Rohidas emphasized that it was unintentional and that the referee's decision is part of the game. Despite being down to 10 men, goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh put up a heroic performance, taking the match to a shootout where he made the difference with his saves.Rohidas expressed pride in the team's ability to overcome the numerical disadvantage and defeat their opponents in the shootout. He highlighted the team's resilience and determination, noting that they had set records by beating Australia after 52 years and winning with 10 players.While acknowledging that a gold or silver medal would have been ideal, Rohidas emphasized that the team is grateful for the bronze medal. He believes that destiny plays a role and that the team is fortunate to return home with a medal.The Indian team's journey began with a rusty win over New Zealand in a tough pool A. They grew stronger with each match, culminating in a 3-2 victory over Australia in their concluding league match. The bronze medal match against Spain marked a fitting farewell for veteran goalkeeper Sreejesh, who played his last international match.Rohidas spoke about the collective leadership within the team, emphasizing that there is no single leader and that everyone contributes to the leadership role. He also highlighted the team's challenging three-day boot camp in Switzerland led by adventurer Mike Horn, which tested their physical and mental limits.

PR Sreejesh: A Legend Inspiring the Next Generation of Indian Hockey PlayersJust-retired Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring countless aspiring hockey players across the nation. His teammates, upon returning from the Paris Olympics with a second consecutive bronze medal, hailed Sreejesh as a true legend whose contributions will continue to shape the future of Indian hockey."Sreejesh is the epitome of a legend," said forward Lalit Upadhyay. "He's the 'Great Wall' of India, and his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication have set an unparalleled standard for goalkeepers. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation to strive for greatness."Upadhyay also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support hockey has received from the Indian public. "The love and passion for hockey in our country is unwavering," he said. "It's a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport and the unwavering support of our fans."Skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who emerged as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals, was also lauded for his exceptional leadership and performance. "Harmanpreet has earned the nickname 'Sarpanch' for his exceptional leadership qualities," said Upadhyay. "He's a true captain who has led by example, inspiring his teammates to achieve their full potential."Defender Jarmanpreet Singh echoed Upadhyay's sentiments, praising Sreejesh's legendary status. "Sreejesh is a true icon," he said. "His contributions to Indian hockey are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."Jarmanpreet also acknowledged Harmanpreet's remarkable performance in the tournament. "Harmanpreet is our team's 'goal machine,'" he said. "His ability to score crucial goals has been instrumental in our success."Reflecting on the team's fighting spirit, Upadhyay recalled the quarterfinal match against Great Britain, where India played with only 10 men for over 40 minutes. "That match showcased the true character of our team," he said. "We never gave up, and our determination ultimately led us to victory."As Sreejesh embarks on a new chapter in his life, his teammates wished him well. "I wish Sreejesh all the best in his future endeavors," said Jarmanpreet. "He has been an incredible mentor and teammate, and his contributions to Indian hockey will never be forgotten."

The Netherlands etched their name in Olympic history on Friday, becoming the first nation to achieve a remarkable double in hockey. Just 24 hours after their men's team triumphed over Germany, the Dutch women's team, the defending champions, secured their fifth Olympic gold medal with a thrilling 3-1 shootout victory over China.The Dutch women, appearing in their sixth consecutive final, faced a determined Chinese team that held them to a 1-1 draw in regulation time. China's Chen Yi stunned the Dutch with an early goal in the sixth minute, but the Dutch relentlessly pressured their opponents throughout the match.With nine minutes remaining, Dutch penalty corner specialist Yibbi Jansen leveled the scores with her ninth goal of the tournament. The match went into a shootout, where Dutch goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal emerged as the hero. She saved the first two Chinese attempts and denied Ma Ning's shot to spark wild celebrations among the Dutch supporters."It was fantastic," said Dutch coach Paul van Ass. "The Chinese did very well, but we attacked well and eventually got the goal we needed."The victory marked the first time a nation had doubled up in Olympic hockey. It also marked China's second silver medal, following their success at home in Beijing in 2008."This is just amazing," said Chinese coach Alyson Annan, who previously led the Dutch to Olympic success in Tokyo. "We did everything we could, but they were just better in the shootout today."The Dutch had dominated the tournament, winning all their pool matches and defeating Great Britain and Argentina in the knockout stages. However, the Chinese proved to be a formidable opponent, defending bravely and limiting the Dutch to just three shots on goal.Despite the disappointment of falling short of gold, Annan remained optimistic about China's future. "Gold in LA," she told reporters. "We have to keep pursuing a higher place on the podium."In the bronze medal match, Argentina claimed their third Olympic bronze medal with a 3-1 shootout win over Belgium after their third-place play-off ended in a 2-2 draw.

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the Indian hockey team, embodies the spirit of sacrifice and dedication that drives India's sporting aspirations. Despite spending up to 10 months of the year away from his family, training and competing, Harmanpreet remains unwavering in his commitment to his country."India comes first," he declares. "I understand and my family understands it. All this sacrifice and time away from them is for India and for them... they know it well."Harmanpreet's determination was evident in the recent Paris Olympics, where he led the Indian hockey team to a bronze medal. While the team fell short of their goal of a gold medal, Harmanpreet remains optimistic. "We are not satisfied with the color of the medal we want to make it brighter... we will go for gold," he said.The bronze medal victory against Spain marked India's eighth win in 11 Olympic encounters with the European team. Overall, India has triumphed in 32 of 72 matches against Spain, with 26 victories for Spain and 14 draws.Harmanpreet's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a united and resilient team. Despite the disappointment of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification in the wrestling final, the hockey team drew inspiration from former captain PS Sreejesh's final game."We had to win this for him," said Harmanpreet. "He has been a great leader and a great friend."Harmanpreet's gratitude for the opportunity to represent India is palpable. "I am very lucky to be playing for India," he said. "I am very happy to be leading a team that is united and packed with leaders."

Aneeshya Sreejesh, the wife of legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, is experiencing a bittersweet mix of emotions following her husband's retirement from international hockey. While she is overjoyed that he will have more time at home, she is also saddened by the loss of his galvanizing presence on the field.Sreejesh, who was a key member of the Indian men's hockey team that clinched a second successive bronze medal at the Olympic Games, played his final match for India in the third-place playoff against Spain. His retirement marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over a decade and included numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri.Aneeshya, a former long-jumper and Ayurveda doctor, expressed her conflicting emotions. "As a fan, I will definitely miss him on the field, but as his wife, I will get more of his time. So I am happy and sad at the same time," she said.She is eagerly awaiting Sreejesh's return home, where she plans to prepare his favorite traditional Kerala meals. "He loves it so much and I know he must be craving it," she said.The family is planning a grand welcome for Sreejesh, who has been a role model for the young brigade of Indian hockey. "There were around 50 people here. Everyone congratulated us and it is a moment of immense pride that we won two consecutive medals in the Olympics," Aneeshya said.Not many know that Sreejesh used three special sticks in the Paris Olympics, each with the names of his children and wife written on them. In the quarterfinal match against Britain, he used the stick with Aneeshya's name on it."He has three sticks for the Paris games...One for penalty shootout and two for regular games. For regular matches, he used the sticks with our kids' names Anushree and Sriyansh written on them," she said. "For the shootout, he used the stick with my name written on it and it also has my favorite color."Aneeshya revealed that Sreejesh will soon make a decision about his future plans. "His focus was only on the Paris Olympics only till now but now the Games are over. He will tell about future plans in due course of time," she said.She also shared a valuable lesson she has learned from her husband. "I have learnt positivity from Sreejesh. He always tells me that ups and downs will be there in life...He says that don't think about the past and always look forward. Whatever happened has happened and the best way is to look ahead," she said.

Madhya Pradesh Government Rewards Hockey Star Vivek Sagar Prasad with Rs 1 Crore for Olympic BronzeThe Madhya Pradesh government has announced a reward of Rs 1 crore to hockey player Vivek Sagar Prasad, who was part of the Indian men's team that won a bronze medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. This marks India's second consecutive bronze medal in the Olympics, with the team defeating Spain 2-1 in a thrilling match.Chief Minister Mohan Yadav congratulated Prasad, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, for his exceptional performance. In a telephonic conversation with the player, Yadav expressed his pride and joy, saying, "It was a good performance. The entire nation is happy with all of you. Congratulations to you and the entire team for this success. The Madhya Pradesh government will transfer Rs 1 crore to your account as a reward."Prasad, a native of Itarsi in Narmadapuram district, is a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the state. He was also part of the Indian hockey team that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.Prasad's contribution to the Indian hockey team's success has been significant. His defensive skills and ability to read the game have made him a valuable asset to the team. He has played a crucial role in India's recent victories, including the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.The Madhya Pradesh government's reward is a testament to Prasad's hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. It is also a recognition of the state's commitment to promoting sports and supporting its athletes.

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has bid farewell to international hockey on a high note, helping India secure a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo. The 36-year-old goalkeeper announced his retirement before the Games, and his final match was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career.In a thrilling third-place play-off, India defeated Spain 2-1, with Sreejesh playing a pivotal role. He made several crucial saves throughout the match, including a penalty shootout stop that sealed the victory."This is the better way to finish an Olympic Games, with a medal," said Sreejesh after the match. "We are not going home empty-handed, that's a great thing."Sreejesh's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. He has been a mainstay in the team for over a decade, and his leadership and experience have been invaluable. He was part of the bronze-winning team in Tokyo in 2020, and his performance in Paris was equally impressive."The team did a wonderful job and made this game so beautiful," said Sreejesh. "Tokyo has a special place in my heart. That (bronze) gave us back the confidence that we can win medals (in Olympics)."Sreejesh's legacy as India's greatest goalkeeper is secure. He has played over 300 matches for his country, and his contributions have been immense. He has been a role model for young players and an inspiration to the entire nation.