Indian Prime Minister Modi posted today (September 8): "Congratulations to our men's ice hockey team for their glorious victory at the 2025 Asian Cup. This victory is of great significance, as they defeated the defending champion South Korea! This is a proud moment for Indian hockey and Indian sports. Wishing our players continue to climb higher peaks and bring more glory to the country!"
Although ice hockey is not as popular in India as cricket, the victory of the Indian men's ice hockey team this time has shown the world the potential of Indian sports, helping to change the traditional perception of Indian sports.
As a country with the fifth largest economy and a population of over 1.4 billion, India's sports achievements are seriously mismatched with its status as a major power. This gap is particularly evident at the Olympic Games, the world's top sporting event. Since its participation in 1900, India has won only 10 Olympic gold medals. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, it did not win a single gold medal, earning only one silver and five bronze medals. In sharp contrast, China has won 303 Summer Olympic gold medals since returning to the Olympic stage in 1984.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842666931179592/
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