PLAYERS WEAR BLACK BANDS FOR SOLDIERS

London, June 18: The Indian hockey team on Sunday wore black arm bands during their match against Pakistan at the Hockey World League Semi-Final to condole the deaths of martyrs in the recent attacks on the Indian army.

The Indian team’s support staff also wore the black arm bands.

“The players are proud of the nation’s soldiers and are often inspired by their dedication and sacrifice,” said Mohd Mustaque Ahmad, Secretary, Hockey India.

“The team strongly felt the need to condole the recent attacks carried out in Jammu & Kashmir where Indian soldiers lost their lives. It was a unanimous decision,” he added.

Captain Manpreet Singh said: “We wanted to win on the field today to show not only our proud nation but all the world that we will stand up and fight for what we believe in through sport.”