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Coach Craig Fulton's unwavering belief in building trust and teamwork propelled the Indian hockey team to defend its bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Fulton emphasized the importance of fostering a strong bond among the players, recognizing that it was the foundation for their success.The team's journey began with a gold medal at the Asian Games, securing their qualification for the Olympics. Despite facing challenges in the Pro League, the team remained confident in their abilities. Fulton's unwavering belief in their potential instilled a sense of determination within the players.The quarterfinal match against Great Britain proved to be a defining moment. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Amit Rohidas' red card suspension, the team displayed remarkable resilience. They fought valiantly for 43 minutes, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. Fulton hailed this performance as one of his proudest moments on the hockey field.The semifinal match against Germany was a tough battle, but the Indian team played with heart and determination. While they were unable to score, Fulton praised their fighting spirit. He also acknowledged the team's resilience in the bronze medal match against Spain, where they faced a relentless attack in the final quarter.Fulton credited the team's success to the lessons they learned during their training sessions with Paddy Upton and Mike Horn, who were part of the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team. These sessions focused on mental toughness and the importance of embracing challenges. Fulton believes that these experiences played a crucial role in the team's ability to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

In the hallowed halls of the Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris, the curtain fell on the illustrious career of Indian hockey legend P.R. Sreejesh. The 36-year-old goalkeeper, a stalwart of the Indian team for two decades, bid farewell to the sport he had dedicated his life to.Sreejesh's journey began in the non-hockey state of Kerala. Driven by an unyielding passion, he rose through the ranks, becoming a beacon of hope for aspiring hockey players from his home state. His international debut came in 2006, and he quickly established himself as one of the world's finest goalkeepers.Over the years, Sreejesh witnessed the highs and lows of Indian hockey. He was part of the team that failed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, a crushing blow for the nation. But he remained steadfast, his determination unwavering.In 2012, India reached the quarterfinals of the Olympics, a testament to Sreejesh's leadership and skill. Four years later, in Rio, India finished eighth, but Sreejesh's heroics in goal earned him the respect of the hockey world.The pinnacle of Sreejesh's career came in Tokyo in 2020. After a 41-year medal drought, India secured a bronze, with Sreejesh playing a pivotal role. His emotional celebration atop the goalpost became an iconic image, symbolizing the resurgence of Indian hockey.In Paris, Sreejesh repeated his Tokyo heroics, leading India to another bronze medal. His final act on the international stage was a fitting tribute to his unwavering spirit and dedication.As Sreejesh bowed out, he left behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. His aggressive style of goalkeeping, coupled with his ability to motivate his teammates, made him a true legend of the sport.

India's men's hockey team capped off a remarkable Olympic campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain, securing the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The triumph marks a fitting farewell for veteran goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who is playing his final international tournament.The match started with Spain dominating possession and earning a penalty stroke, which they converted to take an early lead. However, India responded with determination, led by skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Singh converted two penalty corners in the third quarter, giving India a crucial 2-1 advantage.India's defense, anchored by Sreejesh, stood firm in the face of relentless Spanish pressure. The team's goalkeeper made several crucial saves, denying Spain any chance to equalize. The Indian midfield and forwards also played a vital role, controlling possession and creating scoring opportunities.The bronze medal is a testament to India's resilience and fighting spirit. After a disappointing start to the tournament, the team rallied together and produced some of their best performances in the latter stages. The victory also marks India's fourth bronze medal in hockey at the Olympics, following their triumphs in 1972, 1980, and 2016.For Sreejesh, the bronze medal is a fitting end to an illustrious career. The 39-year-old has been a cornerstone of the Indian hockey team for over a decade, inspiring a generation of players. His leadership and experience were invaluable throughout the tournament, and his performance in the bronze medal match was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.

India's valiant effort against Germany in the semi-final of the Tokyo Olympics ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat. Despite the setback, the team remains determined to secure a bronze medal, a feat they haven't achieved in 52 years.The bronze playoff will pit India against Spain, a team coached by Max Caldas, a former Argentina defender who has implemented a Dutch-style approach. Caldas's strategy emphasizes midfield control and rapid flank attacks, a style that has proven effective in Spain's recent victories over Germany and Belgium.In contrast, India has adopted a more European style under coach Craig Fulton, focusing on short passes and possession. However, Fulton has also prioritized defense, an area where India has traditionally struggled. This defensive emphasis has paid off, as evidenced by India's resolute performance against Great Britain in the quarter-final.The Indian defense has been particularly adept at intercepting balls and launching counterattacks, resulting in several penalty corners. With the return of Amit Rohidas, who was suspended for the quarter-final, India's defense will be further strengthened.Historically, India has a slight edge over Spain, winning four of their last 10 encounters. However, Spain's recent form, including their victory over Belgium, makes them a formidable opponent.Both India and Spain will be eager to return home with a medal. For India, it would be their first successive Olympic medal since 1972. For Spain, it would be their first since 2008. The bronze playoff promises to be a thrilling contest between two contrasting coaching styles and determined teams.

Indian hockey goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh urged his team to seize their second chance at an Olympic medal in Paris 2024, despite their heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Germany in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics.Sreejesh, who will retire from international hockey after the bronze medal match against Spain on Thursday, emphasized the importance of securing a medal for the country. "It's a medal match, and it's not about me; it's about the country, the 19 players, and the staff," he said. "We have one last opportunity to play, to get a medal for our country, and we should focus on that rather than dwelling on what happened today."The veteran custodian acknowledged that India missed several chances, including penalty corners. "We had our opportunities but couldn't convert many of them. You can see it in the scoreline. It's a matter of homework," he said. "They did a wonderful job against Harman, how to tackle him. He's one of the best drag-flickers in the world, and that's what they did against us."Despite the setback, Sreejesh praised his team's fighting spirit. "My players have done a wonderful job. They fought back, they really stood tall. Unfortunately, we couldn't finish it the way we wanted. It's not an easy deal," he said.Sreejesh expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back against Spain in the bronze medal match. "We are tough. I believe we will bounce back in a better way. This consultation will have to be about how to fight that bronze medal match more than discussing this loss," he said. "We need to look at this match also because from there we will realize what went wrong and what we can do better. Because a lot of the opposition look into these kinds of matches, they learn how they can hurt us in certain ways. So we need to find that out and we need to block that.""Spain is not an easy team. They are real fighters. The way they played in the quarterfinals showed that we can't be in a relaxing chair," Sreejesh added.

In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Paris Olympics, Germany rallied from behind to defeat India 3-2 in the men's hockey competition. The match swung like a pendulum, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.India started brightly, earning seven penalty corners in the opening quarter. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted the sixth one to give India an early lead. However, Germany responded with a crisp shot from Peillat Gonzalez off their first short corner.The second quarter saw Germany take the lead through a stroke, awarded after a goal-bound ball hit Jarmanpreet Singh's foot. India fought back in the third quarter, with Sukhjeet Singh leveling the scores off a Harmanpreet deflection.The final period was a tense affair, with both teams desperate for a win. Germany regained the lead through Marco Miltkau's deflection, and despite India's best efforts, they could not find an equalizer.India's bronze medal hopes remain alive, as they will face the loser of the other semifinal between Australia and Belgium in the third-place match on Thursday.

The Netherlands, the world's top-ranked men's hockey team, secured their place in the Paris Olympics final on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, with a dominant 4-0 victory over Spain. The Dutch, who had faced a tough challenge from Spain in the group stage, showcased their clinical precision and tactical prowess in this crucial match.The match began with a flurry of attacks from both sides, but it was the Netherlands who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Jip Janssen converted a penalty stroke after Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado fouled forward Tjep Hoedemakers. The goal ignited the Dutch crowd, who had turned out in force to support their team.The Netherlands continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute when Thierry Brinkman netted the second goal. Brinkman collected a rebound off Spanish defender Ignacio Rodriguez's stick and blasted the ball into the back of the net.The third quarter saw the Dutch extend their lead further. Thijs van Dam found himself with plenty of space in the circle after two Spanish defenders collided, and he made no mistake in sinking his shot. The crowd erupted in cheers once again in the 50th minute when Duco Telgenkamp scored the team's fourth goal.Spain, despite their valiant efforts, were unable to find a way past the Dutch defense. The Netherlands goalkeeper, Maurits Visser, made several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.The victory marks a significant milestone for the Netherlands, who are seeking their first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since 1996. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Australia and Germany in the final on August 8.Spain, on the other hand, will have a chance to compete for a medal in the bronze medal match. They will face the loser of the Australia-Germany semifinal.

The Indian contingent at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 continues to strive for its fourth medal, with shooters having secured three bronze medals thus far. Manu Bhaker played a pivotal role in two of these medals, while Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale showcased exceptional performances to ensure India's success in shooting. However, the nation faced disappointment in badminton and boxing, with no athletes securing medals in these disciplines.On Tuesday, August 11th, India has the potential to secure two silver medals if favorable results occur. The men's hockey team faces Germany in the semi-final, aiming to guarantee a silver medal by winning the match and advancing to the gold medal contest.In wrestling, India's star performer Vinesh Phogat will take center stage, beginning with her round of 16 match. She faces Yui Susaki of Japan in her first bout, and a victory will propel her to the quarter-final. Phogat could potentially compete in her semi-final match on the same day, assuring India of at least a silver medal in wrestling if she emerges victorious in all three potential matches.India's medal tally could have been significantly higher if certain athletes had converted their fourth-place finishes into podium positions. The nation has already witnessed five fourth-place finishes in the Paris Games, including two in shooting, two in badminton, and one in archery.

India's hockey team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has emerged as a formidable force at the Paris Olympics, defying adversity and showcasing unwavering resilience. Their stunning victory against Great Britain in the quarterfinals has ignited a belief within the squad that they possess something special.The team's journey to the semifinals has been marked by a series of challenges, including a narrow escape against New Zealand and a hard-fought draw with Ireland. However, they have risen to the occasion, displaying exceptional attacking prowess against Australia and a masterclass in defense against Great Britain.Harmanpreet Singh attributes their success to a newfound team spirit and a belief that they can overcome any obstacle. "The kind of situation that happened in the match and we still managed to win, I think something is there," he said. "We are just two steps (away)."The next step for India is a daunting semifinal clash against Germany, the reigning World Cup champions. Germany boasts a formidable attack, led by drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, and a strong defense. However, India's confidence is sky-high after their victory against Great Britain."If we can win from one man down, then we can definitely beat any team playing with 11 men," said Manpreet Singh, the captain of the Tokyo Olympics team. "If we have beaten Australia, we can beat any team in the world."Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton has played a crucial role in developing the team's resilience. "We've worked hard on it, but it was only ever going to be revealed when the rubber hit the road," he said. "Now we've seen they have resilience."Despite the suspension of Amit Rohidas for the Germany match, India remains determined to make history. They have proven their ability to adapt and overcome adversity, and they are now within touching distance of a medal of a different color than the bronze they won in Tokyo.