Last six seconds to go for the Bronze medal match to come to an end and the referee blows the hooter making the hearts of millions of Indians skip a beat apprehending the worst.
That was a Penalty Corner awarded to Germany, against which the Indian Men’s Hockey team had locked horns to win a Bronze Medal in Olympics 2020 on Thursday.
Get all the Latest News on Tokyo Olympics
Palpable tension gripped all and the moment of glory finally arrived as the Indian goal keeper thwarted another penalty shot by the Germans from going into the nets.
Indian Men’s Hockey team scripted history after it claimed an Olympic medal, ending a 41 year drought. However, amidst all the jubilations, there was a particular player from Odisha who grabbed eyeballs throughout the tournament, Amit Rohidas. He along with goal keeper Sreejesh stood like a wall against their opponents to secure a Bronze medal for the country.
While speaking from Tokyo exclusively to OTV, the dashing midfielder from Sundergarh minced no words to display his pride while holding and kissing the hard earned Olympic medal. “The win against Germany in the Bronze Medal match was the result of the team effort and the plan that was devised in the dressing room was impeccably executed on the field,” said a beaming Rohidas.
“We saved their goals several times. The PC defence was important for us and I am glad that it was a success in the end fetching us the coveted medal,”
Dedicating the medal to his family, particularly to his late father, Rohidas said, “My father is no more but I am sure he would be really happy watching me holding this medal from wherever he is right now.”
As far as the motivation is concerned, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with us and stood behind like a pillar and motivated us after our loss to Belgium. Similarly, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had called us this morning after our win against Germany,” Rohidas said.
Finally he signed off from Tokyo after extending his heartfelt thanks to all the countrymen who cheered for India all throughout the tournament.