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The Indian men’s hockey team, after their back-to-back bronze medal wins at the Olympic Games, landed in India on Saturday, August 10. The Harmanpreet Singh-led team received a grand welcome in their country after their dominating 2-1 win over Spain in the bronze medal match of men’s field hockey.
The captain of the team, Harmanpreet Singh, led the side out in Delhi, where they were welcomed with garlands and tri-coloured stoles. The Indian team also danced on the beats of dhol as fans and supporters flocked in large number to receive the medal winners. The likes of Sukhjeet and Mandeep Singh were also seen dancing, in the videos which have been going viral.
Watch India’s men’s hockey team receive a grand welcome in Delhi
However, the entire 16-member squad did not land in Delhi as a few players, including star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh stayed back in Paris. The Indian goalkeeper, who played his last game for India, is set to be India’s flagbearer for the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony alongside Manu Bhaker.
Air India extends special gesture for Indian men’s hockey team
Not only did they get a warm welcome in Delhi, the team, who boarded an Air India flight were also honoured with a special gesture from the Indian airlines. In a video which was shared by Hockey India across their social media platforms, the pilot of the flight informed the passengers of the hockey team travelling, bringing in huge round of applause.
Watch Air India’s special gesture for Indian men’s hockey team:
Notably, this was Indian men’s hockey team’s second medal in a row at the Olympics, a feat they achieved for the first time since 1972. The Indian men’s hockey team will head to Major Dhyanchand Stadium on Saturday for a meet and greet session with fans and media personnel after extending their record to 13 Olympic medals.
