This bronze is like gold for us: Mothers of Indian hockey stars celebrate after win

The Indian men’s nationalhockey team has rewritten history by winning an Olympic medal after 41 years, beating a brave Germany 5-4 to win bronze in the playoff match of the ongoing Games in Tokyo on Thursday.

The mothers of men’s hockey stars have also celebrated the historic bronze medal and said it is equal to gold.

India’s men’s team skipper, Manpreet Singh’s mother said: “God has been great to us. Today Manpreet’s dream has come true and hopefully, he will win gold next time.”

Indian team forward Gurjant Singh’s mother said that this bronze is equal to a gold. She said: “Asi gold medal hi samajhte hai (For us it is gold).”

Meanwhile, mid-fielder Surinder’s mother didn’t watch the match because of tension. She said “I was sitting outside. I was very anxious and didn’t watch the match.”

Lalit Upadhyay’s mother said: “Can’t describe this feeling. We are top of the world.”

India’s drag-flicker Varun Kumar has thanked his countrymen for their endless support. He said: “I want to thank everyone in India.”

There were tears and hugs on the field as India defeated Germany 5-4 at the Oi Hockey stadium in Tokyo.

The eight-time former gold-winner, 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.

Simranjeet Singh (17th, 34th minutes) scored a brace, while Hardik Singh (27th), Harmanpreet Singh (29th) and Rupinder Pal Singh (31st) were the other goal getters for India.

Germany’s goals were scored by Timur Oruz (2nd), Niklas Wellen (24th), Benedikt Furk (25th) and Lukas Windfeder (48th).