Indian Hockey Team made a history After 41 years wins Bronze medal π₯.
India erupted in jubilation after coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Germany 5-4 to earn Olympic bronze in men's hockey, their first medal at the Games in 41 years. Germany finishes fourth, the first time the men's team has failed to win a medal at an Olympics since 2000.
Germany got off to a fast start at the Oi Hockey Stadium, scoring in the second minute on a deflected goal by Timur Oruz. Their midfielders controlled the quarter, but Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh, the goalie, kept the shots out.
Simranjeet Singh of India equalised in the second quarter before Niklas Wellen of Germany regained Germany's advantage. After India relinquished possession, Benedikt Furk scored into an unprotected net to put Germany ahead 3-1. Hardik Singh scored on the rebound of the first penalty corner for India, while Harmanpreet Singh hammered the second. The score was 3-3 at halftime.
In the third quarter, India had a strong start, winning a penalty stroke in the opening minute, which Rupinder Pal Singh converted to increase India's lead to 4-2. Simranjeet scored his second goal of the game three minutes later, extending India's advantage to 5-3.
Lukas Windfeder scored another goal for Germany in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough as India won the match 5-4 to earn bronze.
Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh, one of the five scorers against Germany, cried as he anticipated the beginning of an Indian renaissance for the sport.
"Hockey has been forgotten in India. They liked hockey, but they had given up hope that we would win "He was cited as stating by the Press Trust of India. "However, we were victorious today. In the future, they may anticipate more from us. Continue to have faith in us."
Later in the day, Australia takes against Belgium in the gold-medal match.
India's women's squad is also in contention for a medal.
India's women's team will compete for bronze against Britain on Friday, after placing fourth in 1980 and 12th in 2016 in their only prior Olympic appearances.
Comments