Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the women’s hockey team after they gave a spirited performance at Tokyo Olympics but missed a bronze medal narrowly. The Rani Rampal-led team went down fighting and lost the third-place match to Great Britain 3-4 on Friday, August 6. PM Modi said that the team reflected the “spirit of New India” and their “success” at Tokyo 2020 will motivate youngsters.
“We will always remember the great performance of our Women’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020. They gave their best throughout. Each and every member of the team is blessed with remarkable courage, skill and resilience. India is proud of this outstanding team,” wrote PM Modi. India women dropped to their knees in heartbreak when the buzzer went off for the last time as they put relentless pressure on Great Britain in the final quarter. India were reeling 0-2 down after conceding early in the 2nd quarter but Sjoerd Marijne’s women showed their class, scoring as many as 3 goals in 6 minutes to go into the half-time with a 3-2 lead. But after conceding an early goal in the 4th quarter, India were unable to find the equaliser to force a shoot-off. Bollwood star Shah Rukh Khan, who famously played the coach of the women’s hockey team in Chak De India also chimed in. “Heartbreak!!! But all reasons to hold our heads high. Well played Indian Women’s Hockey Team. You all inspired everyone in India. That itself is a victory,” Khan tweeted.
