Back-to-Back Olympic Success for Indian Hockey

The roar of victory previously echoing after the bronze medal match three years ago was supplanted by a wave of warm embraces. The 41-year-long wait met its end in Tokyo, relief superseded by the delight of sustained triumph. Emotions mirrored their predecessors yet with an enhanced intensity. An Olympic medal in hockey from India is always a celebratory occasion... however, achieving it consecutively after half a century? Pure enchantment!

Yet again, an affirmation that the Olympic podium roots for India. Their new accomplishment in hockey is their 13th Olympic medal and fourth bronze. Remarkably for the first time since 1972, India celebrates back-to-back Olympic medals in the sport.

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain, shined bright by the outstanding execution of his two remarkable dragflicks, leading India. Simultaneously, Sreejesh played a crucial role in maintaining the lead by defending the fort in goal during the final quarter amidst the ferocious attack from the Spanish team. The farewell match saw Sreejesh indefatigably defending the fort.

However, India had a slow start to the game insomuch as they had one clear chance within the initial 25 minutes, which unfortunately did not yield a positive result. Spain drove the lead via a penalty stroke post-Mannpreet Singh's tackle. Marc Miralles scored for Spain by hitting the upper corner.

Harmanpreet, as expected, stood up to catalyze the shift in the game when he shot a powerful dragflick near the termination of the first half, leaving the spectators in awe. His second, sharply targeted hit right after three minutes into the second half, positioned India in the lead.

Harmanpreet scored ten goals in the Olympics, scouting his path to be the top-scorer in the tournament - to provide context, no other Indian crossed the number two.

Craig Fulton, the coach, perennially motivated his team to build their ability to defend. Notably, the defending skill was evident, especially in the fourth quarter, despite Harmanpreet's inexpedient slide tackle a few seconds before the game's closure.

Fortunately, luck favored India, whilst Spain missed their opportunity both times from their penalty corners in the game's final moments.

In the fourth quarter, Sreejesh made significant saves, concurrently the unwavering Indian backline, strengthened by Amit Rohidas who made a comeback, declined any chances of an open play. Penalty corner defenses saw Rohidas's rushing impeccable as ever.

Most of this group are now double Olympic medalists. It requires time for this enormous feat to be completely digested. However, for now, the country indeed takes delight in the glory of its favorite sport. As the captain Harmanpreet Singh's post-match words reverberated, "hockey is back."