New Delhi: Congratulating Indian men's hockey team for winning 'historic' gold in the ongoing Incheon Asian Games, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said that the government will provide every possible help to them for 2016 Rio Olympics.
India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in a nerve-wracking shoot-out to regain the Asian Games men's hockey gold medal after a gap of 16 years and also sealed a direct entry into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Sonowal termed the win as historic as India has emotional connect with hockey.
"It is a historic victory and I want to congratulate all the members of Indian hockey team, coach and whoever has made this possible. We are waiting to receive them with a sense of gratitude and happiness. India has an emotional connect with hockey, so this win is extra special," Sonowal told PTI-Bhasha from Assam.
"Indian hockey has got its rhythm back after 16 years and now we are looking forward for Rio Olympics. My ministry will provide every possible help to make them win in Rio," he said.
He also congratulated all the medal winners including women's 4x400m relay team.
"I would also like to congratulate gold medal winners in women's 4x400 m relay and every medallist. They did a lot of hard work to bring laurels for the country," he said.
The minister also expressed satisfaction over India's performance in the Asian Games.
"It is good as per our expectations. Every player has been putting hard work and they have given 100 per cent," he said.
