An Olympic Glow? Indian Hockey Champions Derive Subdued Celebration From Paris
### Facing Media Scrutiny and Public Hype:
The Indian men’s hockey team’s journey back from Paris wasn’t quite what they had hoped for.
Hardik Singh, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist turned double Olympic medalist alongside mine, lifted the lid on some of these emotions in a candid conversation.
“There were moments where we felt the impact, and
The hurt is real,
It’s this. It took 41 years to break the drought at
It was amazing to see the whole nation celebrate this achievement, and we cherish those moments as much as Paris, and yet their London 2012,
### Doubling Down: Back-to-back Medals – A Different Tale
It’s 2008, and we were the first to do that. I think we did that in four.
“Now we have won an Olympic medal twice in a row. It sometimes hurts me that the bronze we won this time wasn’t celebrated as much by the people. I am sure they understand that what didn’t happen for 41 years didn’t happen in 52 years, we did that in four years.”
The weight of being the nation’s latest propelled London 2012 Olympic bronze medalist. It’s amazing to see that young
We’re on the ground grew up watching our heroes. The level
It went on. ”
### Whistle and Beneath The Surface
It wasn’t just about the medal. The off-field concerns dimmed the sparkle for the youth
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Hardik Singh, one of the key
Looking back at their epic victory against Great Britain in Paris to advance
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There wasn’t a louder
I don’t think we get the same kind
“You guys are mad!,”.”
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“People want grades
We weren’t
### A Fightback for the Ages
In a
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I felt document
trace
“Get it signed by me on blank paper, no
“You wouldn’t believe, when Amit Rohidas got
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Let’s not. We wouldn’t
### India’s Shining Examples
I’d say
We were there somewhere
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Our country has an immense amount全世界
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How does the team’s performance in Paris compare to their historic achievement in Tokyo, considering public expectations?
## Interview: Subdued Celebrations for Indian Hockey
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the emotional rollercoaster for the Indian men’s hockey team following their performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Joining us is Hardik Singh, a double Olympic medalist and key player on the squad. Hardik, thank you for being here.
**Hardik:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** The team achieved a commendable feat, securing a spot on the podium in Paris. Yet, your recent comments suggest a more somber mood. Can you elaborate on the complexities of this experience?
**Hardik:** Absolutely. [Referring to the article] While we’re deeply proud of securing another medal for the country, there’s an undeniable sense of disappointment. We set our sights on gold, and falling short of that goal stings. The pressure and anticipation from the entire nation weigh heavily on us.
**Host:** You mentioned the 41-year drought broken in Tokyo. How does this performance measure against that historic achievement, perhaps in the context of public expectations?
**Hardik:** Tokyo was truly special. We brought home a medal after such a long wait, and the nation erupted in joy. This time, amidst the celebrations, there’s an underlying feeling of “what if?”. We know the public’s hopes were high, and we felt that intensely.
**Host:** This “what if” feeling, as you put it, seems to be a significant factor in the team’s mood.
**Hardik:** It is. We’re our own harshest critics. We analyse every game, every missed opportunity. We strive for perfection, and when we fall short, it’s hard to shake off that feeling.
**Host:** Hardik, thank you for sharing your honest reflections. It’s clear that the journey for the Indian men’s hockey team is one of both triumph and introspection. We wish you and the team all the best as you navigate these emotions and prepare for future challenges.
