Tokyo Olympics: Manpreet Singh dedicates India's hockey bronze to COVID warriors

The Indian men's hockey team created history on Thursday by winning the bronze medal. Consequently, after a 41-year Olympic medal wait, skipper Manpreet Singh dedicated the medal to the COVID warriors.

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Tokyo, First Published Aug 5, 2021, 11:46 AM IST | Last Updated Aug 5, 2021, 11:49 AM IST

It was a historic moment for Indian hockey after the men's team secured the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. It beat Germany 5-4, ending India's 41-year wait in the competition for a medal.

Following the triumph, the Indian skipper Manpreet Singh was speechless. However, he decided to dedicate the medal to COVID warriors, who have worked tirelessly in the battle against coronavirus since last year.

"I don't know what to say right now; it was fantastic. The effort, the game, we were 3-1 down. I think we deserve this medal. We have worked so hard. The last 15 months were difficult for us. Also, we were in Bangalore, and some of us got COVID also. We want to dedicate this medal to doctors and frontline health workers who have saved so many lives in India," he said following the triumph to the media.

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"...we didn't give up. We kept fighting back. It's a great feeling, the best feeling. We came here for the gold, and we won bronze; it is still a great thing. It's a great moment for all hockey fans. It's just a start here; it hasn't finished," he added.

Tokyo Olympics: Manpreet Singh dedicates India's hockey bronze to COVID warriors-ayh

Also, drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh was emotional following the same. While shedding the tears of joy, ending India's four-decade-long wait for an Olympic hockey medal, he reckoned that it is a new beginning for Indian hockey.

"People forgot hockey in India. They loved hockey, but they stopped hoping that we can win. But, we won today. They can expect more from us in the future. Keep believing in us," he considered.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

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