Indian men Hockey team reaches semi-final after registering their 3-1 win against Great Britain in the quarter-final of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. The team won the match with help of goals from Dilpreet Singh (7′), Gurjant Singh (16′) and Hardik Singh (57′).
With this win, India has come closer to end the 41-year medal drought. The overall effort ensured India a place in the semi-final against World Champions Belgium. Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay expressed his joy on receiving the news by as he fell short of words to describe the feeling.
“What a show Team India! #Hockey Well deserved Victory. Words fail me as I try to compose my emotions for the semifinals against #Bel Wishing my blue army the very best, you are on the threshold of making history. Good luck,” he tweeted.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted “Well done Indian Hockey Team on putting up a spectacular show of team work & commitment to reach the semi-finals. We are all cheering for you. All the best for the upcoming matches, Chak De India.”
Meanwhile former India batsman Virender Sehwag wrote “Chak De India ! What a great moment for Indian hockey. Beating Great Britain in great fashion. First semi-final after 1972 Olympics. Maza aa gaya. Best wishes for the semis.”
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman congratulated the Hockey team as well as wished them best for the next game against Belgium on Tuesday.
“Yay! Fantastic team effort by @TheHockeyIndia to win the quarter final match against GBR today. Wishing the team the best to win their first Hockey medal after 1980. Onwards and upward,” Laxman tweeted.
India suffered a blow when skipper Manpreet Singh received a yellow card in the dying minutes, but Hardik scored in the 57th minute to extend India’s lead. In the final quarter, Great Britain tried very hard to score a goal after they breached the Indian defence. The side even won a penalty corner but PR Sreejesh made a fine save to keep India on top.
