The country as wholesome was in praise for the Indian hockey team’s gutsy effort that saw it clinch a historic silver medal in the Champions Trophy in London. The Indian team settled for a silver medal in its best ever performance in the prestigious tournament after going down fighting 1-3 to world champions Australia in a controversy-marred summit clash penalty shootout late Friday night. Only Harmanpreet Singh was able to score in the shootout, while S. K Uthappa, S. V Sunil and Surender Kumar all hit wide off the target. Just four attempts were required from the two teams as Australia had gained a winning 3-1 lead. Indian men’s hockey team had their date with history as they clinched a maiden appearance in the final of the prestigious 36th Hero Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament against formidable Australia after hosts Great Britain held Belgium to 3-3 draw in a final round robin match. This was India’s first appearance in the summit clash in 36 years since the inception of the blue-riband six-nation tournament. India’s only podium finish until now was a bronze medal won way back in 1982 at Amsterdam. India would thank Great Britain, who rallied from a two goal deficit to hold Belgium 3-3 in a cliffhanger at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre. This was after India lost 2-4 to title favourites Australia in their last round robin encounter. The draw between Great Britain and Belgium meant both of them finished behind India in the round-robin league, paving the way for India to play world champions Australia in the tonight’s title encounter. Australia topped the league standings with 13 points from five games, while India ended on seven points. Great Britain ended on six points and Belgium were left on four points. In the men’s tournament, the Australians have won the trophy thirteen, the Germans ten, and the Dutch eight times. Pakistan is the only Asian champion, with three titles to its name including the first two in 1978 and 1980. In the women’s tournament the Netherlands, Australia and Argentina have won the trophy six times while Germany, China and South Korea have won it once. The win is a great booster for the sagging fortunes of the game.
