PM Modi congratulates hockey team players individually, hours after hailing their Olympic victory

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took to microblogging site Twitter to extend greetings to each player of the Indian hockey team individually, for bringing home bronze Olympic medal.

In the series of tweets, PM Modi highlighted the special trait of each hockey player and highlighted their skills and collective effort that helped Team India win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

Manpreet Pawar-led hockey team defeated Germany 5-4 in the match and won bronze medal.

Indian Men’s hockey took home the medal after breaking the 41 long old jinx. Last medal in this sport was won way back in 1980. Indian Men’s hockey team has distinction of winning 11 Olympic medals till date, including 8 golds.

How PM Modi lauded each hockey player

Your world-class penalty corner specialist skills have brought home a precious medal and made us all proud, @rupinderbob3.

India believes in you and waits to see more from the guardians of Indian hockey like you. My best wishes. #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

We enjoyed your power-packed game @13harmanpreet! With those crucial goals that you scored, you’ve really brought Indian hockey to the centre of everyone’s attention.

Impressive performance! Proud of you. #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Surender Kumar has a warm and welcoming smile. But try to score a goal against India and you will see his formidable and tough side. His excellent work in the Olympics played a great role in notching up the prestigious medal.

Thank you, Surender. We are proud of you. #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Your fearless energy on the field was commendable, Amit Rohidas. You were truly a rock-wall intercepting those penalty corners.

Congratulations on your performance, India realises its long-awaited Olympic dream with you! #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Birendra Lakra’s defence is unbreachable. His game is a delight to watch!

At every step he demonstrated his experience in the game and helped the team win.

We are proud of him! #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

PM Modi hailed the leadership of hockey team captain Manpreet Pawar while lauded Sreejesh for saving goals, thus playing a big part in earning the medal for nation.

Best wishes to the bright @mandeepsingh995 for his future endeavours. An integral part of several winning tournaments, he played well through #Tokyo2020 including the spirited fight in the game against Belgium. He is an inspiration for several budding hockey players. #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Dilpreet Singh has won hearts with his performance at #Tokyo2020. He scored outstanding goals. His resilience and skill were worth noticing throughout the tournament. Many congratulations to him.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Young @VivekSagarpras1 brings a lot of energy and skills to the mid-field. He scored an vital goal in India’s Olympic journey. He is an important talent for the future of Indian hockey. #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Spectacular performance throughout the tournament and even in the last few seconds.

Bravo @16Sreejesh! Your saves played a big part in earning the medal for India. Congratulations and best wishes to you. #Tokyo2020

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2021

Earlier in the day, PM Modi had dialled the Indian Men’s hockey team and congratulated them for stellar show in Tokyo Olympics. PM Modi applauded the team’s performance and spoke to coach Graham Reid during the call.

India’s golden moment in Hockey

This victory not only ended India’s drought at the Olympic Games but has also infused fresh energy and vitality in the resurgence of game.

The players who turned the game in India’s favour included Simranjeet Singh, Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet and Rupinder Pal Singh who scored goals at 17th, 34th, 27th, 29th and 31st respectively. PR Sreejesh put up an impregnable defence as he saved many a goals and ensured a memorable victory for the team at Tokyo Olympics.