UP CM Yogi congratulates Indian men's hockey team for clinching gold medal in Asian Games, qualifying for Paris Olympics
Oct 06, 2023
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 6 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday congratulated the Indian men's hockey team for clinching a gold medal at the Asian Games and qualifying for the Paris Olympics 2024.
Taking to social media platform, X, the Chief Minister said, "Hearty congratulations to the Indian team for its golden victory in the men's hockey competition of the Asian Games. We are proud of all of you. Congratulations to every member of the Indian hockey team who achieved a historic victory through excellent teamwork, inexhaustible dedication and unwavering hard work... Jai Ho."
The Indian men's hockey team dethroned 2018 gold medallist Japan in the men's hockey event on Friday and qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 by claiming their fourth gold medal in the Asian Games.
The Indian team continued to do wonders since the arrival of head coach Craig Fulton as they remained unbeaten throughout the event and defeated Japan by 5-1 in the 19th Asian Games.
Both teams kicked off the final on equal proceedings as Japan and India looked to breach each other's defense and break the stalemate.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh looking to showcase his prowess in the penalty corner failed to get past the keeper in the 15th minute.
The first quarter ended goalless.
India drew the first blood in the second quarter with Manpreet scoring a goal with a reverse hit in the 25th minute of the game.
Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh wasn't made to work hard as the first half ended with India enjoying a goal advantage.
Harmanpreet scored from a drag flick which was filled with venom following a Penalty Corner to increase India's lead to 2-0.
Amit Rohidas added another goal to take India a step closer to the gold medal. The third quarter ended with India just 15 minutes away from earning a much-deserved gold medal.
The fourth and the final quarter saw a lot of action with Mandeep Singh limping off the field.
In the 36th minute, Abhishek made it 4-0, as he flicked it over after receiving the ball from Hardik.
Moments before the injury, Japan had a penalty corner and Sreejesh was forced to make a double save. But it wasn't enough as Tanaka sneaked in to make it 4-1.
Harmanpreet added the icing on the cake and made it 5-1 with a flick shot.