[ad_1]
Indian field hockey player Rani Rampal, who distinguished herself at the Tokyo Olympics with her brilliant performance, expressed her gratitude to the Indian people for their warm welcome on Tuesday. Speaking to Republic TV, Rampal said she had never seen so much support for the Indian women’s hockey team despite missing a medal at the Olympics.
“Thank you for giving us so much love and respect. I don’t think the women’s hockey team has received so much support before. I’ve never seen people support players and give them a warm welcome even. after losing a game. I feel people are finally realizing that hard work, courage and performance are above medals. I am very grateful for the change in the country, “she said .
The Indian women’s hockey team were beaten by Great Britain 3-4 in the bronze medal match at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The Indian team finished fourth in that event with the loss, after a performance lionhearted from them. India had previously crushed former gold medalist Australia 1-0, in the quarter-finals and made their way to the semi-finals.
Recalling his performance at the Olympics, the 26-year-old said: “The bronze medal match was very difficult and intense. We lost by one point. We fought hard but it was not. our best day. We were really close. I’m happy that we won a lot of hearts in India, but I’m really looking forward to winning a medal next time around because it encourages us as athletes. “
Rani Rampal added that the year 2022 is very crucial for his team as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Championship and the World Cup. “We will focus on our performance in competitions,” she said.
“Major Dhyan Chand deserves Bharat Ratna”
Referring to the renaming of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award to the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award – the highest honor for a sportsman in India – Rampal said it was a proud moment for every hockey player in India.
“Major Dhyan Chand is a true icon for hockey players across the country. I respect the decision to give his name to the sports award. I think he deserves Bharat Ratna, ”she said.
Major Dhyan Chand is a household name in the hockey world, remembered for his magic with the hockey stick. On August 6, 2021, the Indian government announced the renaming of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. This came into effect after a constant clamor from sports fans in India.
[ad_2]
Source link