There was a time when Indian hockey players ruled the roost; winning gold medals in six consecutive Olympics from 1928 to 1952. However, the last time the Indian hockey team won an Olympic medal was in 1980 (gold) and has now finally claimed the bronze. Meanwhile, wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya who won his semifinal is now assured of at least a silver medal. In the Javelin Throw event, Neeraj Chopra keeps medal hopes alive by reaching the finals.
At one point Germany was trailing India 3-5 by two goals and came back to score a fourth. However the Indian men kept their nerve and finally won 5-4.
For former player Viren Rasquinha, this was an emotional moment. Coming four decades after the last podium finish, this is a bronze medal that feels as good as gold.
Fans hope that this will be a watershed moment in Indian hockey. We can all hope that this will inspire more Indians to look beyond cricket and chart a return to the glory days of Indian hockey.
Lovlina Borgohain was the only Indian boxer who reached the semifinal stage (all others were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage or earlier). We were all hoping that she would reach the finals.
She lost to a Turkish player in the semifinal, but by virtue of reaching the boxing semifinal, Lovlina won the bronze medal. This is undoubtedly another moment of celebration; yet another woman who is going to inspire young Indians.
India has never won an Olympic medal in athletics though people like P T Usha and Milkha Singh came very close. Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra keeps hopes alive.
Chopra did brilliantly to reach the finals, however he will now have to battle it out with the top athletes in the world to win a medal on Saturday 7 August.
Ravi Kumar Dahiya has got through to the final of the 57kg category in wrestling after his incredible, never-say-die performance to win the semis.
He came back to win after a seemingly hopeless position and is now assured of at least a silver medal.
All of India now wishes him all the best for his final bout today.
In the 53kg wrestling event, she beat her opponent to advance to the quarterfinals where she lost to her opponent from Belarus.
Indian women Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar are still in the reckoning. Both have got through to the second round of the individual women’s events.
Sandeep Kumar, Rahul Rohilla and Irfan Thodi represent India at this event today and it will be interesting to see how they perform. India’s best ever Olympic haul was in 2012 with 6 medals – two silver and four bronze. Right now Indian athletes have won a silver medal and three bronzes and are assured of one more – at least a silver. Can we overtake the 2012 Olympic record? We all hope so.
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