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[caption id="attachment_14688" align="alignnone" width="580"] Narendra Modi praises Indian hockey team. File Pic[/caption] Internet Desk:  From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eminent sports personalities, the country was wholesome in its praise for the Indian hockey team's gutsy effort that saw it clinch a historic silver medal in the Champions Trophy in London. The Indian team settled for a silver medal in its best ever performance in the prestigious tournament after going down fighting 1-3 to world champions Australia in a controversy-marred summit clash penalty shootout late last night. "Congrats to our Hockey Team for a spirited performance in Champions Trophy finals. Their effort has been brilliant.

Congrats to our Hockey Team for a spirited performance in Champions Trophy finals. Their effort has been brilliant. We're proud of the team.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2016

We're proud of the team," the PM wrote on his official twitter handle. Only Harmanpreet Singh was able to score in the shootout, while SK Uthappa, SV Sunil and Surender Kumar all hit wide off the target. Just four attempts were required from the two teams as Australia had gained a winning 3-1 lead. Indian cricket greats Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman also lauded the team's performance. "Great effort by @TheHockeyIndia ,went right down to the wire.Lost a great final in Penalty Shootout but won our hearts," Sehwag said.

Great effort by @TheHockeyIndia ,went right down to the wire.Lost a great final in Penalty Shootout but won our hearts.
#HCT2016 #IndvsAus

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 17, 2016

Laxman tweeted, "Congratulations 2 Indian Hockey team on a well fought finals & a fantastic #HCT2016 ?? All the best for the future matches??

Congratulations 2 Indian Hockey team on a well fought finals & a fantastic #HCT2016 All the best for the future matches @TheHockeyIndia

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 18, 2016

Olympic silver-medallist shooter and union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said, "Fighting performance by Hockey Team India in Champions Trophy. Deserves applause. Congrats for bringing glory to India." Ace shuttler Parupalli Kashyap and shooter Joydeep Karmakar expressed their happiness over the team's performance. Kashyap said, "India Hard luck guys! Super show! @TheHockeyIndia @raghuhock @16Sreejesh #RoadToRio #HCT2016 #silvermedal."

Hard luck guys! Super show! @TheHockeyIndia @raghuhock @16Sreejesh #RoadToRio #HCT2016 #silvermedal

— Parupalli Kashyap (@parupallik) June 17, 2016

While Karmakar wrote, "No final results today, no ones taking the trophy back tonight? #HCT2016 drama unfolding in the most unprecedented way! Unbelievable!".

No final results today, no ones taking the trophy back tonight? #HCT2016 drama unfolding in the most unprecedented way! Unbelievable!

— joydeep karmakar (@Joydeep709) June 17, 2016

India's silver medal winning performance in the 36th Hero Champions Trophy has earned the players and team officials a reward from Hockey India. Immediately after the medal presentation, Narender Batra, President of Hockey India, went to the dressing room and announced the rewards. "Australia did well to win the title, but for me you too are winners today," said Batra soon after the Champions Trophy jury had rejected India's appeal against a shootout infringement. India lost 1-3 in the shootout to world champions Australia after the title encounter remained goalless in regulation period. Hockey India's chief announced that each player and the chief coach would receive a reward of Rs 2 lakh, while the remaining support staff shall be rewarded by Rs 1 lakh. Young defender Harmanpreet Singh, who was yesterday adjudged the Youth Player of the Tournament, will get an additional Rs 1 lakh as reward.