The road to their bronze medal was not without its setbacks. After an impressive group stage, where India defeated New Zealand, Ireland and Australia, hopes soared for a gold-medal finish. However, in the semi-finals, Germany outplayed them, dashing those dreams.

It would have been easy to lose heart, but the team regrouped for the bronze-medal match against Spain. “We were determined to come back with a medal,” Hardik recalls.

“The game against Spain had my heart racing. It was such a relief when the final whistle blew, and we knew we had secured the bronze.”

Off the field, both players credit mental preparation for their success. The pressure of representing India at the Olympics can be overwhelming, especially in a sport where expectations run so high. To manage this, the team made a conscious decision to minimise distractions, particularly by avoiding social media during the tournament.

“Expectations were high from both fans and ourselves,” Hardik explains. “But staying off social media in Paris helped us remain focused and grounded.”

For the team, this victory was more than a personal triumph; it was a tribute to India’s rich hockey heritage. India once dominated the sport, winning eight Olympic gold medals, beginning in 1928.

However, with advancements in sports technology and training techniques, the country was left behind. That makes the recent triumphs vital, and commendable.

“There’s always room for improvement,” says Hardik. “Penalty corner defences have become stronger, so we need more variations in our routines.”

Vivek highlights the need for more field goals, which come from open play rather than penalty corners or set pieces. “Teams have figured out how to defend against drag flicks, so improving our field goal scoring is crucial,” he adds.

For the 2028 Olympics, four years away, the squad already has its sights firmly set on gold.