An Olympic Gold medal came after 1980 in Moscow after 41 years, now the Bronze is coming after 50 years.
New Delhi: The players – men in blue – ran into each other’s arms. Some had tears in their eyes. It is an unbelievable moment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly called it “historic.”
An Olympic Gold medal came after 1980 in Moscow after 41 years, now the Bronze is coming after 50 years.
“This historic victory will start a new era in hockey,” wrote President Ram Nath Kovind on the microblogging site.
In 1972 at Munich Olympics, Indians had lost to Pakistan in the semi-finals. In the Third-place match, India defeated the Netherlands to claim the Bronze medal.
In 1980, India beat Spain in the finals to win Gold.
“Brilliant in Blue. Congratulations Indian Men’s Hockey Team on the spectacular victory to give us an Olympic medal after 41 long years. This historic win at Tokyo2020 will inspire generations of sportspersons. All the very best for future,” tweeted Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik .
In 2018, the Naveen Patnaik government had signed an agreement with Hockey India to sponsor both men’s and women’s national teams for five years.
Harendra Singh, coach of the US Hockey team and Dronacharya awardee, said, “We waited for so long. I knew this Indian team would deliver. I think the journey has just started.”
Singh was India’s coach earlier. He could not conceal his emotions.
The present coach Graham Reid, an Australian, was equally jubilant, and he said: “I know how much hockey means to India.”
At the key contest against Germany for the third place and Bronze medal, India scored five goals against four by Germany.
Undoubtedly, there were tears and hugs on the field and outside in various parts of India as the team led by Manpreet Singh savoured the glorious moment.
“Historic! A day that will be etched in the memory of every Indian. Congratulations to our Men’s Hockey Team for bringing home the Bronze. With this feat, they have captured the imagination of the entire nation, especially our youth. India is proud of our Hockey team,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
Mr Modi took to the microblogging site in Hindi too and said emphatically: “Yeh Naya Bharat hae; Atma Vishwas se bhara Bharat hae.”
It’s more satisfying for India as Germany had taken an early lead in the goal-rich match through a second-minute goal. But Indians fought back.
First, Simranjeet Singh equalised with a backhand shot. But Germany yet again marched ahead with two more goals.
Hardik Singh and Harmanpreet Singh now had two more equalisers in the exciting encounter.
India also took a 5-3 lead after golden sticks from Rupinder Pal Singh (in a penalty stroke), and Simranjeet Singh scored his second goal.
Fighters Germany came back with a goal but could not force the equaliser, even after taking out its goalie to bring in an extra field player!
Overall, a memorable day for Indian Hockey in more ways than one.
“Congratulations to our men’s hockey team for winning an Olympic Medal in hockey after 41 years. The team showed exceptional skills, resilience & determination to win. This historic victory will start a new era in hockey and will inspire the youth to take up and excel in the sport,” tweeted President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.
Twitteratis and netizens on Facebook could not conceal their emotions.
Punjab Sports Minister Rana Gurmit S Sodhi announced Rs 1 crore cash award for all players from the state.
“We await your return to celebrate the much deserving medal,” he tweeted.
