From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eminent sports personalities, the country was wholesome in its praise for the Indian hockey team after it clinched the Asian Champion Trophy by beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the finals at Kuantan, Malaysia on Sunday.
Favourites India prevailed 3-2 over defending champions Pakistan to reclaim the trophy and present a perfect Diwali gift to the nation. This was their second gold medal at the Asian Champions trophy.
Goals from Rupinder Pal Singh (18th minute), Yousuf Affan (23rd) and Nikkin Thimmaiah (51st) helped India surmount the challenge from Pakistan, who rallied from two goals behind through strikes by Muhammad Aleem Bilal (26th) and Ali Shaan (38th) in the title clash of the fourth edition of tournament.
Here’s how the who’s who of the country reacted to a famous win, starting of course with Twitter superstar Virender Sehwag.
But, perhaps the most heart-warming wish came from the other side of the border — showing sports can go beyond all enmities.
With PTI inputs