Creating history, tears of joy ran from every player and Indians when the Men's Hockey Team claimed their bronze medal in hockey after 49 years of wait and their first podium in 41 years as they knocked down Germany 5-4 in the third-fourth place play-off match.
Timur Oruz led Germany after scoring an early goal. Simranjeet Singh equalised for the Indian team. Meanwhile, the second and third goal was secured by Benedikt Furk and Niklas Wellen respectively and Hardik and Harmanpreet equalised and Rupinder Pal Singh then reclaimed a penalty stroke and Simranjeet earned his second for the match to give India its two-goal to head, but Germany received its one through Lukas Windfeder.
This will be the third bronze medal for the Indian men's hockey team in Olympic history. Earlier, India had won bronze medals in 1968 and 1972. India has also won eight gold and one silver medal in the past.
In the 4th quarter, India leads 5-4, with Two minutes of play left. Germany got a penalty corner but India defended brilliantly. India was still ahead 5-4
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In the last five minutes, Germany got another penalty corner but Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh made a brilliant defence. Germany was given 10 penalty corners, however, were able to score one goal.
The whole country is celebrating this historic win. People took to social media platforms to express their happiness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team calling the victory historic.
“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,” Modi tweeted.
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh also congratulated the team and said it's a proud moment for the country.
