India’s drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh is hopeful that this historic bronze at the Tokyo Olympics will revive the sport in the country. The Indian men’s hockey team defeated Germany 5-4 to claim the bronze.
There were tears and hugs on the field as India defeated Germany 5-4 in an edge-of-the-seat play-off match to win the historic bronze at the Oi Hockey stadium in Tokyo on Thursday.
“It’s a great feeling. Best feeling I ever had. We came here for gold, but we won a bronze. That’s great too in a big tournament like this,” said an emotional Rupinder Pal Singh after the match.
“It’s a great moment for us and back home. A lot of talks are happening, people are really excited. They were waiting for this, and we won today,” he added.
Rupinder, who scored the crucial penalty stroke in the match, is hopeful that this historic bronze will revive hockey in India.
“I hope hockey will become very popular. It’s a great thing. It’s been a long time. People are forgetting hockey in India. They loved hockey. But they stopped hoping that we will win,” said Rupinder.
“They can expect more for us in the future. Keep believing in us. This team has the potential to do more,” he added.
The eight-time former gold-winners, who battled a heartbreaking slump in the last four decades, made the resurgence of the last couple of years count in the best way possible with an Olympic medal.
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).
News Source: India Today
