Tokyo Olympics 2020: 'India is proud of our players', says PM Narendra Modi after men's hockey team's loss in semi-finals
After the defeat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is proud of their efforts at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Belgium players celebrate after scoring against India during their men's semi-final match of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. AFP
It was one of the biggest games in Indian hockey history and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not the one to miss out as he cheered for the Indian men's team during their semi-final match against world champions Belgium.
Winning the match would've kept the dream of an Olympic gold alive but it wasn't supposed to be for Manpreet Singh and his men.
At one point, India were 2-1 ahead in the match but Belgium showed their quality with their relentless attacks and scored four goals to take the game 5-2 and qualify for the final.
There won't be gold in men's hockey for India but they will aim to bring home the bronze, which would be a fantastic achievement.
Modi's official Twitter handle tweeted, "I’m watching the India vs Belgium Hockey Men’s Semi Final at #Tokyo2020. Proud of our team and their skills. Wishing them the very best!".
I’m watching the India vs Belgium Hockey Men’s Semi Final at #Tokyo2020. Proud of our team and their skills. Wishing them the very best!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2021
After the defeat, Modi said the country is proud of the team's efforts at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
"Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020 gave their best and that is what counts. Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavours. India is proud of our players."
Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020 gave their best and that is what counts. Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavours. India is proud of our players.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2021
Belgium's Alexander Hendrickx struck a fantastic hat-trick while Loick Luypaert and John-John Dohmen also scored a goal each to ensure the Rio 2016 silver medallist has a chance to end their campaign on a high.
For India, Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the seventh minute and Mandeep Singh came up with a superb finish to give India 2-1 lead in the first quarter.
Australia and Germany will play in the other semi-final and losers will fight for the bronze against India.
also read
Tokyo Olympics 2020: Captain Manpreet Singh reveals India teammates ‘almost killed themselves’ in victory over Great Britain
The skipper said self-belief was key to success as India made the last four round of the Olympics for the first time after the 1972 Munich Games.
Tokyo Olympics 2020: Indian women's hockey team beaten 1-4 by Great Britain
The Indians wasted chances galore as Hannah Martin (2nd and 19th minute), Lily Owsley (41st minute), Grace Balsdon (57th minute) scored for Great Britain to hand the reigning champions their second consecutive win in Pool A.
Tokyo Olympics 2020: India men's hockey coach Graham Reid says team's mental resilience key to winning medal at Games
India will open their campaign against New Zealand on 24 July. Reid, in an interview to PTI, said the pandemic has helped his team discover the strength it previously wasn't aware of.