[Watch] Commentator Sunil Taneja breaks down in tears as the Indian hockey team defeats Great Britain in the quarter-finals of Paris Olympics 2024
Commentator Sunil Taneja could not hold back his emotions while watching the Indian hockey team defeat Great Britain in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The sports presenter broke down in jubilation as India recorded a 4-2 win in the penalty shootouts to advance into the semi-finals.
Sunil, who has been covering Indian sports for years, was visibly overwhelmed seeing the Indian hockey team excel on the field. While calling the final moments of the game, Taneja teared up and was embraced by his co-commentator.
India went up against Great Britain in the first quarter-finals of the men's hockey tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The two teams ended full-time play drawn at 1-1.
However, India came out victorious in the penalty shootout to get one step closer to a coveted podium finish in Paris.
Indian hockey team comes out victorious in the quarter-finals, albeit being a man down
The 'Men in Blue' would be reeling with confidence after a sensational win, given they had to field a 10-man team for the majority of play. India were dealt with a major setback when their star defender, Amit Rohidas, was handed a red card in the second quarter.
The incident saw Rohidas being sent off the field for hitting Great Britain's Will Calnan in the face with his stick. The action was deemed as intentional after it was sent upstairs by the on-field referee. India continued to rally together and did not let it dampen their momentum much.
India was the first to score in the game, with Harmanpreet Singh successfully converting a penalty corner. Great Britain came back in the game with an equalizer by Lee Morton in the same quarter. The two teams did not concede another goal until the end of full-time.
In the shootouts, India kept their composure by scoring in all four of their chances. Great Britain could only score two goals with the Indian goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh, excelling with his defense.
The Indian hockey team will now be featuring in the semi-final stage of the tournament to be played on August 6.