New Delhi, June 18: Social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages after the Indian hockey team settled for a historic silver in the Champions Trophy final against Australia in London on Saturday (June 18).

India were pipped by reigning world champions Australia 1-3 via penalty shoot-out to settle for the silver medal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in congratulating the team for the feat.

"Congrats to our hockey team for a spirited performance in Champions Trophy finals. Their effort has been brilliant. We're proud of the team," Modi tweeted.

Sports Minister Jitendra Singh also hailed the team for the superb show. "Congratulations team for winning the Silver medal".

Indian hockey team regular skipper Sardar Singh, who has been rested from the squad said, "Great effort by our team in the finals of Champions Trophy and congrats for silver medal. We will continue to work hard to make our country proud."

Former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha said, "The Indian team can stand tall with their heads held high. Proud of the boys. You played your hearts out. Woke up feeling very proud of our hockey team. Well done."

Former India cricketers VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag also joined in the chorus to congratulate the team.

"Congratulations to Indian hockey team on a well fought finals and a fantastic Champions Trophy!! All the best for the future matches," Laxman tweeted.

"Great effort by Indian hockey team, went right down to the wire. Lost a great final in Penalty Shootout but won our hearts," Sehwag wrote.

Star shuttler Parupalli Kashyap also tweeted, "Hard luck guys! Super show!"

It was India's best performance in the history of the tournament. India's previous best performance in the Champions Trophy was a bronze medal in 1982.

IANS