Xtra Time Web Desk: It was an emotional scene at the Oi Hockey stadium after the final whistle in the bronze medal match of men’s hockey at Tokyo Olympics. The names of Manpreet Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh will be etched in the memories of Indian fans for a long long time. It was a historic moment as the Indian men’s team staged an incredible comeback to pip Germany 5-4 in an edge of the seat clash to win an Olympic medal after 41 years.
Reacting to the incredible moment, drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh said, “That’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. 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. I hope hockey will become very popular. It’s a great thing. It’s been long time. People are forgetting hockey in India. They loved hockey. But they stopped hoping that we will win. But we will win today. They can expect more for us in the future. Keep believing in us. This team has the potential to do more.”
Indian men’s hockey team coach Graham Reid looked a satisfied man after the match. According to Reid, “I know that apart from the country, this group has dreamt about a medal for a long time. I know how much it means to India. It’s an honour to be able to do that. It’s been one of the signatures these guys have tried to develop, to always come back. I asked the guys to bring this to the next level, if something happens, to come back. And they did that very well. There are a number of emotions. This is my fifth Olympic, and it’s a huge thing in the world of sport. For me, personally it’s a great thing to be able to be involved in. I told the guys (after the semi defeat), that in 1988 we (Australia) came fourth. And it was not a very nice thing. I told them, we can’t change that, but we can change the future. And we did that today.”