PM leads country's praise of Indian hockey team

New Delhi, (PTI) From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to eminent sports personalities, the country was wholesome in its 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 last night.

"Congrats to our Hockey Team for a spirited performance in Champions Trophy finals. Their effort has been brilliant.

We're proud of the team," the PM wrote on his official twitter handle.

Only Harmanpreet Singh was able to score in the shootout, while SK Uthappa, SV 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 cricket greats Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman also lauded the team's performance.

"Great effort by @TheHockeyIndia ,went right down to the wire.Lost a great final in Penalty Shootout but won our hearts," Sehwag said.

Laxman tweeted, "Congratulations 2 Indian Hockey team on a well fought finals & a fantastic #HCT2016 ?? All the best for the future matches??

Olympic silver-medallist shooter and union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said, "Fighting performance by Hockey Team India in Champions Trophy. Deserves applause. Congrats for bringing glory to India."

Ace shuttler Parupalli Kashyap and shooter Joydeep Karmakar expressed their happiness over the team's performance.

Kashyap said, "India Hard luck guys! Super show! @TheHockeyIndia @raghuhock @16Sreejesh #RoadToRio #HCT2016 #silvermedal."

While Karmakar wrote, "No final results today, no ones taking the trophy back tonight? #HCT2016 drama unfolding in the most unprecedented way! Unbelievable!" .