Rupinder Pal Singh: 'Winning Back-To-Back Olympic Medals Is An Extraordinary Feat'

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Indian hockey team made a stunning comeback at the Paris Olympics, clinching the bronze medal just days after a heart-wrenching semi-final loss to Germany.

Displaying extraordinary resilience, the team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, secured a 2-1 victory over Spain. This achievement marks India's second consecutive bronze in the Olympic Games.

Reflecting on this historic achievement, former Indian hockey player and 2020 Olympic bronze medalist, Rupinder Pal Singh, expressed immense pride in the team's performance.

"Winning back-to-back medals in hockey at the Olympics is incredibly difficult, especially in a team sport," Rupinder said.

"The team's performance is nothing short of commendable. As a former hockey player and as an Indian, this is a monumental moment for me. Winning an Olympic medal is every athlete's dream, and these players have given us a reason to celebrate once again."

Rupinder highlighted the significance of this victory in reigniting interest in Indian hockey.

"When we won the medal in Tokyo, it reconnected people with the sport. Although we missed out on a World Cup (2018) medal, the Olympic win brought hockey back into the limelight in India. I am grateful to those who paved the way with their previous victories. Winning two Olympic medals is an extraordinary feat."

In the 2004 Olympics, India finished 7th, and the worst part was that India didn't even qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. In 2012, the Indian team finished last, and in the Rio Olympics, India finished in 8th position. However, in the Tokyo Olympics, India won the bronze medal, marking the first time in 41 years that the Indian men's hockey team returned to the Olympic podium. Now, history has repeated itself with another bronze medal in Paris.

Commenting on the team's progress, Rupinder emphasized, "Our journey from missing the 2008 Olympics to finishing last in 2012, placing 8th in 2016, and now winning consecutive bronze medals is a testament to the upward trajectory of Indian hockey. The players, Hockey India, and SAI deserve all the credit."

He also noted the impact of missing Amit Rohidas in the semi-finals. "If Amit had played, the outcome might have been different. He is a formidable asset, especially in penalty corners. His presence could have changed the game against Germany."