Varanasi: When fans erupted in excitement after the victory of the Indian hockey team which was thrilling 5-4 over Germany in a bronze medal play-off match, ending 41-year drought in a hockey at the Olympics, the old timer said the historic match – a victory Thursday in Tokyo and ‘ Gold ‘1980 against Spain – has a general Kashi connection.
While the legendary Varanasi Dribbler, Padma Shri late Mohid Shahid, was part of the Indian squad in 1980 in Moscow, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay from Bhagatpur Kashi Village was a Lone player on the Indian Hockey team from Uttar Pradesh around.
After the achievement on Thursday, India became the most successful team in the men’s hockey at the Olympics with 12 medals, including eight gold, one silver and three bronze.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also a parliamentary member of Varanasi, posted a tweet congratulations to Lalit for the success of the team.
The Latal family remained fixed on a television plane as soon as the match began on Thursday.
His father, Satish Upadhyay, has carried out a special ritual in a local temple to pray for the victory of the Indian team.
Even though Dialal is not part of ‘playing eleven’, cheering for India is what is important for the family.
And when the winning time arrived, the family jumped happily.
“It’s a good show by the Indian team.
Children play well in the semifinals too but missing in the last 15 minutes.
This time, they hold their nerves until the last moment.” Satish said.
“There is nothing more valuable than a father who is recognized with his son’s name.
Today, wherever I go, people identify me as Daddy Lalit.
I have two sons, Lalt and Amit.
They never demand something from me and Always focus on their goals.
Lalit doesn’t talk much but share everything with his mother, “he added.
Ms.
Lalit, Rita Upadhyay, became emotional while watching the match.
“He must stay away from home most of the time.
But every time he is there, he shares everything about the game and his friends,” he said.
Sister Lalit, Anjali said, “It was very pleasant to see India won the Olympic medal after a few decades.
I am happy that my brother is part of this team.” “I am proud of my brother.
He has brought honor to his home and city,” Brother Lalit, said Amit Upadhyay.
Lalit began his journey from college in Varanasi under coach Parmanand Mishra and later became part of the National Hockey squad as the center.
“We are all emotional now when Lalit faces many difficulties in the past.
But we don’t want to talk about it today because he has proven his courage and make us all very proud,” said coach Parmanand Mishra.
People look celebrating success in various parts of the city.
Keshav Prasad Yadav, a sweet shop owner, came out on the streets and distributed sweets among people passing.
Sportspersons also gathered at the Olmpian Vivek Singh Academy, Sampurnanand Sports Stadium and Lalpur Hockey Stadium to entertain India.
“After winning gold at the 1980 Olympics, when Shahid Bhai was on the team, we faced a long drought medal.
It is a coincidence that we won a medal when other local boys were on the team,” said the International Hockey player, Pravin Singh.
Patron Hockey Gauri Shankar Singh, who is another Olympic father, the deceased Vivek Singh, said: “After being defeated by Australia, the Indian team bounced back in time and created history.”