Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian men's hockey team on its historic bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics on Thursday. "A feat that will be cherished for generations to come!" he posted on X social media platform.
India beat Spain 2-1 to win the bronze medal.
The prime minister wrote, "The Indian Hockey team shines bright at the Olympics, bringing home the Bronze Medal! This is even more special because it is their second consecutive Medal at the Olympics."
PM Modi lauded the team, saying, "Their success is a triumph of skill, perseverance and team spirit. They showed immense grit and resilience. Congratulations to the players."
The PM noted that every Indian has an emotional connect with hockey. "...this accomplishment will make the sport even more popular among the youth of our nation," he said in his social media post.
India won consecutive bronze hockey medals for the first time in 52 years since the 1972 Munich Games. The country created history and secured back-to-back bronze medals at the Olympics this time.
In the bronze medal match against Spain, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to put his side in front after they fell behind in a tournament where his heroics proved decisive in all of their wins.
The win gave India its second consecutive bronze medal as part of a 13-medal haul for the once-dominant side that won gold for six Games in a row from 1928 to 1956.
President Droupadi Murmu also praised the Indian hockey team. "It is after over five decades that India has won bronze medals in back-to-back Olympic Games," she said.
India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was another driving force alongside their captain in his last international tournament, helping to turn away all but one of Spain's 15 shots, including a pair of saves in the closing minutes.
Sreejesh, who was playing his last game for India, went on the ground, filled with emotions, and the rest of the team joined him to celebrate the momentous occasion in India's hockey history.
Congress leader and the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi called Thursday's match a "phenomenal" one and thanked Sreejesh. "Your relentless commitment to excellence has kept us inspired," Gandhi posted on X.
(With inputs from agencies)
