India's Tokyo bronze medal win voted 3rd best FIH match of 2021

The Men in Blue defeated Germany 5-4 to clinch their first Olympic medal after 41 years.

In a roller coaster of a year for Indian Hockey when anticipation from fans reached a fever pitch before the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the performance of the Indian team at the quadrennial Games did not disappoint as the Indian Men's Hockey Team went on to clinch the historic Bronze Medal in August 2021.  

Indian hockey fans around the globe made their voices heard in large numbers as Manpreet Singh-led side's thrilling 5-4 win against Germany in the Bronze Medal encounter, has achieved 3rd place in the FIH Favourite Match of 2021 polls. Hockey India on Wednesday congratulated the Indian Men's Hockey team for this remarkable feat.

In this memorable match, Manpreet & Co. made one of the greatest comebacks, bouncing back from a 1-3 deficit to sealing the match 5-4. Simranjeet Singh starred with a brace, while Hardik Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh scored a goal each to help the team script history in Tokyo.

There were only six seconds to go until the final whistle when the Germans received a penalty corner to tie the game. This is when India’s veteran goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh came up with a fabulous save to ensure the victory for India.

The match was a roller-coaster of emotions as the Indian players finally ended a wait of 41 years for a medal at the Olympic Games.

Congratulating the Indian Men's Hockey Team, Hockey India President Mr Gyanendro Ningombam said, "This match, this historic win against Germany holds a special significance for the country as it not only ended the 41-year long wait, but also brought a new era for Indian hockey. The support from the Indian hockey fans has been overwhelming and we thank each and everyone who voted this match as their favourite one. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate the Indian Men's Hockey Team for this remarkable achievement (of achievving third place in FIH Favourite Match of 2021 Awards and we wish them success in their future endeavours."

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