Tokyo Olympics: Indian men’s hockey team ends 41-year wait for medal

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The undaunted men in blue scripted the history as it claimed an Olympic medal in the men’s hockey tournament, ending the 41-year wait for the medal in hockey. The men’s hockey team defeated Germany by 5-4 to win the bronze medal in a nail-biting match in Tokyo.

The power-packed team, with most of them coming from India’s hinterland has invoked a sense of pride and euphoria among the Indians, as the whole nation is rejoicing this real-life Chak De moment.

The eight-time former gold-winners have made a historic resurgence with an Olympic medal. The Indian hockey had been for the longest time battling a heartbreaking slump.

There were tears and hugs on the field as the Indians led by Manpreet Singh and coached by Australian Graham Reid celebrated the victorious moment.

Simranjeet Singh (17th, 34th minutes) scored a brace, while Hardik Singh (27th), Harmanpreet Singh (29th) and Rupinder Pal Singh (31st) were the other goal-getters for India.

Germany’s goals were scored by Timur Oruz (2nd), Niklas Wellen (24th), Benedikt Furk (25th) and Lukas Windfeder (48th).

The Indians have made one of the most memorable comebacks in the history of the game, fighting back from a two-goal deficit to turn the match in their favour.

It is India’s third hockey bronze medal in the history of the Olympics. The other two came in 1968 Mexico City and the 1972 Munich Games.

Wishes pour in

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. 🏑

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Heartiest Congratulations to the Indian Hockey team for winning the Bronze medal in a keenly fought contest against Germany! The team displayed excellent professionalism and the entire nation is proud of their achievement. @TheHockeyIndia #Hockey #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/Xoshs6G13T

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 5, 2021

Historic match! Well played, Indian Women’s Hockey Team. We all are very proud of what you all have achieved.

All the best for the next match. #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/jwEYcJJa0u

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) August 4, 2021

India🇮🇳 has won #bronze in the men’s #hockey at #Tokyo2020

This is their first #Olympics medal in hockey since 1980!#UnitedByEmotion | #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/M9ng6VJHbP

— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) August 5, 2021

Bronze it is❗❗❗

The wait of 4 decades comes to an end.

Indian Men’s Hockey team win olympic medal after a gap of 41 years.@WeAreTeamIndia#Tokyo2020 #Cheer4India #TeamIndia #Hockey pic.twitter.com/t0zDURzMqM

— MIB India 🇮🇳 #Cheer4India (@MIB_India) August 5, 2021

Phenomenal win .. wish my dad was alive to see this historic day will be happy up there .. Thank you so much men’s hockey team ..congratulations !!! https://t.co/WZEzM0e5db

— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) August 5, 2021