For the 15 hockey players, who come mostly from one of the most backward, Maoist-affected areas of Jharkhand, hardships and setbacks are part of the landscape.
Antwerp [Belgium], June 11 (ANI): Sensational effort by experienced India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and an on-target attack in a thrilling shootout saw the Indian men's hockey team defeat Olympic Champions Belgium 5-4 in the FIH Hockey Pro League match here in Antwerp on Saturday.
Rani Rampal was also felicitated with the Arjuna Award in 2016, World Games Athlete of the Year 2019, Hockey India Award for Best Women Player of the Year 2019, Khel Ratna in 2020 and Padma Shri Award 2020.
Haryana's 4-1 gold efforts were etched out by captain Sonam (two goals) and Kanika Siwach and Gurmail Kaur scored one each. In Judoka Anil won gold medal in 55 Kg and swimmer Harsh Saroha also bagged a gold to put Haryana on top of medals tally.
Punjab rode on Bharath Thakur's brace to upset favourites Uttar Pradesh 3-1 in a thrilling final. Odisha bagged the bronze medal by hammering Jharkhand 8-0.
Indian hockey has shown signs of a heart-warming resurgence, with the men winning a bronze and the women finishing a valiant fourth in the Tokyo Games.
Haryana's Ramita and Ashish kept their state on top of medals tally. The day, however, belonged to Maharashtra's sprinters, who sped to three out of four gold for an impressive haul of eight gold, three silver and a bronze in track and field over the last three days.