Olympics: India bags bronze in men's hockey by defeating Spain

Paris: In a perfect farewell for captain PR Sreejesh, India clinched the bronze medal in men's hockey by defeating Spain at the ongoing Olympics in Paris on Thursday. Star player Harmanpreet Singh scored two goals to help India defeat Spain 2-1 and secure consecutive Olympic bronze medals, matching their third-place finish in Tokyo three years ago.

This marked the Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh's final international appearance. Hours before his last hurrah celebrated India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh described his international career as "nothing short of extraordinary" and expressed his gratitude to the countrymen for believing in him.

"As I stand between the posts for the final time, my heart swells with gratitude and pride. This journey, from a young boy with a dream to the man defending India's honour, has been nothing short of extraordinary," he wrote on 'X'.

"Today, I play my last match for India. Every save, every dive, every roar of the crowd will forever echo in my soul. Thank you, India, for believing in me, and for standing by me. This is not the end, but the beginning of cherished memories.

Sreejesh had announced his retirement plans ahead of his fourth appearance at the Olympics.