Punjab CM Announces ₹1 Crore Prize for Bronze-Winning Hockey Heroes

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a cash award of ₹1 crore to each hockey player from the state who contributed to India's bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. This marks India's historic back-to-back bronze wins, with key performances from Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday announced that the state will reward each hockey player from Punjab who was part of the Indian men's team that won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games with a cash prize of ₹1 crore. 'As per our sports policy, we will give ₹1 crore for each bronze medal player from Punjab. Chak De India,' Mann posted on X.

A brace from skipper Harmanpreet Singh and effortless saves by PR Sreejesh secured India a 2-1 win over Spain, earning the team a bronze medal at the Yves du Manoir Stadium on Friday. The victory, achieved in an electrifying atmosphere, added the fourth medal to India's tally at the Paris Olympics, despite being down 0-1 after the first quarter.

Sreejesh, playing his last game for India, was seen overwhelmed with emotions, and the team joined him in celebrating this historic win. This victory marks India's first consecutive bronze medals in Olympic hockey in 52 years, the last being in the 1972 Munich Games.

Under coach Craig Fulton's guidance, India created history by securing back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics. Harmanpreet Singh's goals at the 30th and 33rd minutes paved the way to victory. For Spain, Marc Miralles scored the only goal in the 18th minute. India maintained an upper hand against Spain in their Olympic engagements, defeating the Spanish team seven times out of ten.

The emotions peaked as Sreejesh, dubbed the 'God of Indian Modern Hockey' by Hockey India before the bronze medal game, played his final international match. The stadium resonated with chants of 'India' as the team worked to break down Spain's defense early in the match.

During the bronze medal match, India sniffed the initial opportunity when Hardik passed the ball to Sukhjeet, who narrowly missed the goalpost. India capitalized on Spain's missed chances, equalizing before the second quarter through a penalty corner converted by Harmanpreet Singh with a trademark drag flick. The teams were level at 1-1.

India gained the lead just into the third quarter with another penalty corner successfully converted by Harmanpreet, making it 2-1. In the final moments, Spain had a chance to equalize with a penalty corner, but Sreejesh's flying save ensured India's bronze medal win. (ANI)