Hockey India has announced substantial cash prizes for the national men’s hockey team following their commendable performance at the Paris Olympics. Each player will receive Rs 15 lakh, while the support staff will be awarded Rs 7.5 lakh each in recognition of their achievement.
The Indian men’s team secured their second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympic Games with a 2-1 victory over Spain at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris. This win followed a historic bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, ending a 41-year medal drought for India in the sport.
This recent bronze marks India’s 13th Olympic medal and fourth bronze in the history of the Games, complementing their tally of eight gold medals and one silver.
“Hockey India announces cash prizes of Rs 15 lakh each for all players and Rs 7.5 lakh each for the support staff for their stellar performance at the Paris Olympics,” the organization stated in a social media post.
In their journey to the bronze, India faced a 2-3 defeat to Germany in the semifinals but managed to clinch the bronze medal in their final match. This game also marked the retirement of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who played his last international match on Thursday.
This achievement is noteworthy as it is the first time since 1972 that India has won consecutive Olympic bronze medals in men’s hockey.