Hailing the Indian men's hockey team's bronze medal win in the Tokyo Olympics as historic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that this day will be etched in the memory of every Indian.
With this feat, they have captured the imagination of the entire nation, especially the youth, Modi said, adding that India is proud of its hockey team.
Sources said the prime minister also spoke to the men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, head coach Graham Reid and Assistant Coach Piyush Dubey, after the win.
Modi congratulated the team for emerging victorious and bringing home the Bronze, they said.
According to sources, the PM told Manpreet Singh that "you have scripted history".
During the conversation, Modi also remarked that today Singh's voice was loud and clear as compared with the other day when India had lost to Belgium in the semi-finals.
The Indian team captain thanked the PM for his constant encouragement to the team, according to the sources.
In a tweet, Modi said, "Historic! A day that will be etched in the memory of every Indian. Congratulations to our Men's Hockey Team for bringing home the Bronze. With this feat, they have captured the imagination of the entire nation, especially our youth. India is proud of our Hockey team."
The Indian men's hockey team rewrote history as it claimed an Olympic medal after 41 years, beating a plucky Germany 5-4 to claim the bronze in an edge-of-the-seat play-off match of the ongoing Games here on Thursday.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished the team for their "well-deserved victory", calling it a big moment for India.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Minister Ashok Gehlot also extended their congratulations to the team.
"This historic victory will start a new era in hockey and will inspire the youth to take up and excel in the sport", tweeted Kovind.
Gehlot said the team has brought glory to the nation.