Indian Men's Hockey Team honored at FIH congress meet for bronze medal win at Paris Olympics
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) recently honored the Indian men's hockey team during the governing body's congress meet in Muscat. The prestigious honor was bestowed by FIH president Tayyab Ikram and French Hockey Federation chief Isabelle Jouin.
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh received the award for India's emphatic show at the Paris Olympics 2024. India had clinched the bronze medal at the mega quadrennial competition.
Extending their gratitude for the award, Hockey India thanked the FIH for the special recognition.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to FIH for this wonderful recognition, making the 100th year of international hockey even more special for India," Hockey India said in a release. (Via News18)
The special honor for the Indian hockey team comes on the back of FIH completing a hundred years since its inception in 1924. The governing body recently celebrated its centenary on January 7, 2024. Hockey had already featured in two Olympic editions (1908 and 1920) prior to the establishment of the FIH.
It was in fact after the sport's omission from the 1924 Summer Games in Paris that Frenchman Paul Léautey felt the need for a formal organization. FIH has since been running international hockey and has been working towards the sports development globally.
Indian Men's Hockey Team maintains successful run post Paris Olympics 2024 triumph
The Indian men's hockey team is at present enjoying a great run of form since their triumph at the Paris Olympics. India were at their dominant best during the Olympic Games where they clinched the bronze by defeating Spain 2-1.
Notably, their victory brought the country its second consecutive Olympic medal having also won a bronze at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. Continuing on their form from the Summer Olympics, India then went on to clinch the coveted gold at the Asian Champions Trophy in September. India beat China 1-0 in the final.
The members of the Indian men's hockey team will next be seen in action at the Hockey India League (HIL) in December 2024.