Indian men end Olympic hockey medal drought

INDIA’S men won their first Olympic hockey medal in 41 years Thursday, snaring bronze with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Germany that Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed as “historic”.

The medal in Tokyo possesses enormous significance for India, a former hockey powerhouse which has a proud record of eight Olympic gold medals in the sport.

Modi was quick to congratulate the team, which has been starved of Olympic success since claiming gold at the Moscow Games in 1980.

“Historic! A day that will be etched in the memory of every Indian,” he tweeted after the come-from-behind win.

“Congratulations to our men’s hockey team for bringing home the bronze.

“With this feat, they have captured the imagination of the entire nation, especially our youth – India is proud of our hockey team.”

— AFP photo India’s goalkeeper Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran (left) and a teammate celebrate after winning the men’s bronze medal match by defeating Germany 5-4, at the Oi Hockey Stadium in Tokyo.