From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eminent sports personalities, the country was wholesome in its praise for the Indian hockey team’s gutsy effort that saw it clinch a historic silver medal in the Champions Trophy in London.
The Indian team settled for a silver medal in its best ever performance in the prestigious tournament after going down fighting 1-3 to world champions Australia in a controversy-marred summit clash penalty shootout late last night.
“Congrats to our Hockey Team for a spirited performance in Champions Trophy finals. Their effort has been brilliant. We’re proud of the team,” the PM wrote on his official twitter handle.
Congrats to our Hockey Team for a spirited performance in Champions Trophy finals. Their effort has been brilliant. We're proud of the team.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) >June 18, 2016
Only Harmanpreet Singh was able to score in the shootout, while SK Uthappa, SV Sunil and Surender Kumar all hit wide off the target. Just four attempts were required from the two teams as Australia had gained a winning 3-1 lead.
Indian cricket greats Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman also lauded the team’s performance.
“Great effort by @TheHockeyIndia ,went right down to the wire.Lost a great final in Penalty Shootout but won our hearts,” Sehwag said.
Great effort by >@TheHockeyIndia ,went right down to the wire.Lost a great final in Penalty Shootout but won our hearts. >#HCT2016>#IndvsAus
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) >June 17, 2016
Laxman tweeted, “Congratulations 2 Indian Hockey team on a well fought finals & a fantastic #HCT2016 ?? All the best for the future matches??
Olympic silver-medallist shooter and union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said, “Fighting performance by Hockey Team India in Champions Trophy. Deserves applause. Congrats for bringing glory to India.”
Ace shuttler Parupalli Kashyap and shooter Joydeep Karmakar expressed their happiness over the team’s performance.
Kashyap said, “India Hard luck guys! Super show! @TheHockeyIndia @raghuhock @16Sreejesh #RoadToRio #HCT2016 #silvermedal.”
While Karmakar wrote, “No final results today, no ones taking the trophy back tonight? #HCT2016 drama unfolding in the most unprecedented way! Unbelievable!”
The hockey fraternity too was delighted with the historic result.
Regular skipper Sardar Singh said, “Great effort by our team in the finals of #HCT2016 and congrats for Silver medal. We will continue to work hard to make our country proud.”
Former captain Viren Rasquinha, who is now involved with non profit organisation Olympic Gold Quest, said, “Woke up feeling very proud of our hockey team. Well done.
“The Indian team can stand tall with their heads held high. Proud of the boys. You played your hearts out.
“Can’t remember the last time India did not allow Aus to score in normal time in a tment match (not test series).
Coach Roelant Oltmans was also satisfied with the result.
“What a great day in London. Unfortunately we lost the Finals on shoot-outs but we won confidence on our way to Rio. Congratulations Aussies.”
Rupinder Pal Singh tweeted, “Feel proud for your efforts boys! You all played your hearts out today! ??
PR Sreejesh, who led the team in the absence of Sardar, said, said, “We lost the match ..But .. We won millions of heart ..Be proud boys #silver #HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest @TheHockeyIndia.”
Hockey India was not left behind and said, “A very big congratulations to the @Kookaburras on winning their 14th Men’s Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016!
Hockey India rewards team
India’s silver medal winning performance in the 36th Hero Champions Trophy has earned the players and team officials a reward from Hockey India.
Immediately after the medal presentation, Narender Batra, president of Hockey India, went to the dressing room and announced the rewards.
“Australia did well to win the title, but for me you too are winners today,” said Batra soon after the Champions Trophy jury had rejected India’s appeal against a shootout infringement.
Hockey India’s chief announced that each player and the chief coach would receive a reward of Rs. 2 lakh, while the remaining support staff shall be rewarded by Rs. 1 lakh.
Young defender Harmanpreet Singh, who was on Friday adjudged the Youth Player of the Tournament, will get an additional Rs. 1 lakh as reward.
