Paris Olympics: Bronze medal is important for better future of Indian hockey, says Dilip Tirkey

Indian hockey team secures consecutive Olympic medals, sparking emotional celebrations and optimism for the future of the sport in India.

In the last half a century, the Indian hockey team had not secured two consecutive medals in the Olympics. When it retained its bronze medal in Paris on Thursday (August 8, 2024), it was time for celebrations and overflow of emotions in the stands of the Yves du Manoir Stadium in Paris.

For its rich history and the folklore stuff Indian hockey has provided for 96 years in the Olympics, it is not surprising when the countrymen react emotionally to an Olympic high. In 2008, when Indian hockey saw its lowest point, by not qualifying for the Beijing Olympics, the then Union Sports Minister M.S. Gill had said that hockey is “India’s spiritual game.”

As the national side overcame several odds, starting from its disappointing outing in the home World Cup in January last year to being groomed by a new coach with about a year left for the Olympics, to finish third, it was a moment of joy for everyone and a reason for optimism.

“We may have won a bronze medal, but it is like a gold for us,” said former Indian hockey team captain and Hockey India (HI) president Dilip Tirkey.

“This medal is important for a better future of Indian hockey.”

In a country where cricket is a religion, hockey still touches an emotional chord.

Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who retired from international hockey on a high after defending India to another bronze medal win, nicely puts the comparison between cricket and hockey into perspective.