Tokyo Olympics: Sports fraternity overjoyed as India men's hockey team clinch historic bronze

Abhinav Bindra, Sachin Tendulkar and Mahesh Bhupathi. Pic/ SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

A resolute Indian men's hockey team rewrote history as it claimed an Olympic medal after 41 years, defeating a plucky Germany 5-4 to win the bronze in an edge-of-the-seat play-off match of the ongoing Games here on Thursday.

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.

India's only individual gold medallist at the Olympics and ace shooter Abhinav Bindra also cherished the "proud moment". "An emotional moment for the entire nation, a moment of pride. The long wait has ended! Congratulations to the Indian Men's Hockey team for their splendid achievement," tweeted Bindra.

Iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar also hailed the hockey team and praised the efforts of goal-keeper PR Sreejesh for saving a penalty corner in the dying moments of the game. "Congratulations to each & every member of the hockey contingent on winning the #Bronze (medal) for India! A fantastic hard fought win. The penalty corner save by Sreejesh in the dying moments of the game was amazing. Entire (India) is immensely proud! ," tweeted Tendulkar.

Ace tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi was impressed with the approach of the Indian players. "Lion Hearts!!! Can't say enough about the attitude, first coming back and then holding on. Congrats @TheHockeyIndia on making history. Truly emotional moment for the country. @allthatglittersisnotgold#Olympis,¿ tweeted Bhupathi.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur too congratulated the 'Men in Blue' for their performance. "A BILLION CHEERS for INDIA! Boys, you've done it! We can't keep calm! #TeamIndia! Our Men's Hockey Team dominated and defined their destiny in the Olympics history books today, yet again! We are extremely proud of you! #Tokyo 2020," tweeted Thakur.

India cricketers Shreyas Iyer, Harmanpreet Kaur also savoured the moment. "Terrific achievement and one for the history books! What a wonderful team! Congratulation's boys," tweeted Iyer.

Kaur tweeted, "41 years was a long wait. Well done boys @manpreetpawar07 and Team. You've been stunning on the field. We are all so proud of you. Jai Hind."

Former India pacer RP Singh said the bronze medal was no less than a gold. "Bronze looks like gold as it has come after 41 long years. Proud of our boys!," tweeted RP.

Noted boxer Vijender Singh, himself a former Olympic medallist, tweeted, "Well done boys."

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