'Made the Nation Proud': PM Narendra Modi Lauds Indian Men's Hockey Team After Asian Champions Trophy Win

PM Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian Hockey Team, praising them on their thrilling Asian Champions Trophy win against hosts China on Tuesday.

In an absolute thriller of a final, it was India who edged out the Chinese to seal a 1-0 win and clinch the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy.

In an unexpected turn of events, it was Jugraj Singh, who tuned out to be the sole scorer in an otherwise end-to-end thriller to help India nab the slender win.

Modi praised their performance and commitment, saying that the team has made the country proud.

“Congratulations to the incredible Indian Men’s Hockey Team for winning the Asian Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2024,” wrote Modi on his official X account.

“Their remarkable performance, unwavering spirit and dedication have made the nation proud.”

Fighting against a rousing home crowd roaring for their countrymen, India started off patiently, playing with the pace of the game, and not forcing the chances to come.

Both teams shared the possession and took their (un)timely chances to draw first blood, but neither could find the breakthrough through the first three quarters of the match.

With all to play for, India would come out of the gate guns blazing in the fourth quarter, poking and probing at China’s defense relentlessly.

Finally, in the 50th minute, it would finally be Jugraj Singh who would convert off a pass from skipper Harmanpreet Singh, to finally break the deadlock and give India the slender 1-0 lead.

A frantic China would go into overdrive, and in a moment of desperation would take their goalkeeper out to force the issue in an all-out attack.

But, all their bravery would yield nothing, as China would fail to find the equalizer as time ran out, handing India their fifth Asian Champions Trophy.