So close, yet so far! Indian women's hockey had a medal in their sight but they went down fighting against Great Britain in the bronze medal match at Tokyo Olympics and lost 3-4. The team has, however, inspired millions with their sensational campaign at Tokyo 2020. Despite the loss, the team has been earning praises for their valiant efforts. From Bollywood celebrities to sporting icons to politicians, members of the Indian women's team are winning hearts.
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind praised the team. "Indian women's hockey team excelled on the field and won the hearts of every Indian with their stellar performance," he tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "We will always remember the great performance of our Women’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020. They gave their best throughout. Each and every member of the team is blessed with remarkable courage, skill and resilience. India is proud of this outstanding team."
Indian Women's Hockey team excelled on the field and won the hearts of every Indian with their stellar performance. We are proud of you all. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2021
We narrowly missed a medal in Women’s Hockey but this team reflects the spirit of New India- where we give our best and scale new frontiers. More importantly, their success at #Tokyo2020 will motivate young daughters of India to take up Hockey and excel in it. Proud of this team. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2021
The British team won the bronze medal but it was not easy as the Women In Blue gave them a tough fight. Britain, who had won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, took a two-goal lead in the second quarter through goals by Elena Rayer and Sarah Robertson. The Indian women bounced back and pulled level after drag-flick specialist Gurjit Kaur scored twice off penalty corners.
Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan wrote in a tweet, "Heartbreak!!! But all reasons to hold our heads high. Well played Indian Women’s Hockey Team. You all inspired everyone in India."
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Heartbreak!!! But all reasons to hold our heads high. Well played Indian Women’s Hockey Team. You all inspired everyone in India. That itself is a victory. — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 6, 2021
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag wrote, "Brilliant Effort girls. You must hold your heads up high for the magnificent effort and the spirit with which you fought. You have been instrumental in making the nation ho crazy for Hockey again".
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said, "Well done #TeamIndia on giving your best and fighting till the very end. You may have lost the match but you have won our hearts. We are all very proud of you."
Brilliant Effort girls. You must hold your heads up high for the magnificent effort and the spirit with which you fought. You have been instrumental in making the nation ho crazy for Hockey again @TheHockeyIndia . #IndvsGBR pic.twitter.com/b6RSXbp9rN — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 6, 2021
Well done #TeamIndia on giving your best and fighting till the very end. 🏑
You may have lost the match but you have won our hearts. We are all very proud of you.#Hockey #Olympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/zf2QRM5EBE — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 6, 2021
Indian sports minister Anurag Thakur also praised the team, he wrote, "India’s daughters - our determined athletes; we are immensely proud of you! A giant leap of faith & fighting spirit by our women’s hockey team; a legacy that will inspire us to do even better! You have shown us the way."
India’s daughters - our determined athletes; we are immensely proud of you!
A giant leap of faith & fighting spirit by our women’s hockey team; a legacy that will inspire us to do even better!
You have shown us the way.#Tokyo2020 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/XD9Dsqp9So — Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 6, 2021
Read some of the encouraging reactions here:
Highly emotional moments!
Modi ji speaks to our hockey heroes!
Dear Women’s Hockey team,
As Hon @narendramodi ji says, you are our pride, inspiration for millions back home!#IndianHockeyMyPride #womenhockeyindia #womenempowerment #Hockey #Tokyo2020 #Olympics #Olympics2021 pic.twitter.com/EUJ5IToWKn — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 6, 2021
A memorable performance by the Women’s hockey team! You showed true fighting spirit and showed unwavering focus to create history. Know that the whole nation is proud of you and excited to see the Tigresses continue to excel in the future 👏🏽🇮🇳#Hockey #Teamindia #Olympics pic.twitter.com/MKjZBw39Ly — Sardar Singh (@imsardarsingh8) August 6, 2021
An incredible performance by our women’s hockey team! You all played well and gave it your best! You have made India proud#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/MBWrJ7jBCJ — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) August 6, 2021
Congratulate Indian Women's Hockey Team for putting up a brave fight against Great Britain at #Tokyo2020. Keep your fighting spirit up and keep inspiring. Wish you all the very best for future. #Cheer4India#womenhockeyindia — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 6, 2021
Thank you - that's all there is to say to our courageous women on our hockey team. No medal will match the encouragement, the will to dream and the hope you have given the young boys and girls of this country. You are my heroes. #TeamIndia #Hockey #Tokyo2020 — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) August 6, 2021