Hockey Team Wore Black Armbands to Condole Death of Indian Jawans

The Indian hockey team wore black armbands during their Hockey World League Semi-Final match against Pakistan.

The Indian hockey team to condole the deaths of martyrs in the recent attacks on the Indian army. (Photo: Hockey India)

India hockey team and support staff on Sunday wore black armbands during their match against Pakistan at the Hockey World League Semi-Final to condole the deaths of martyrs in the recent attacks on the Indian army.

India eventually thrashed Pakistan 7-1 in this match.

The hockey fraternity in India has always been vocal about the pride and respect it has for the Indian soldiers and always condemned such barbaric acts.

The players have often taken to social media to show their condolences for the martyrs of the country. In fact, PR Sreejesh had dedicated the team's victory at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy to the soldiers, where they beat Pakistan in the final.

India’s Ramandeap Singh in action during the Hockey World League Semi-Final. (Photo: Hockey India)

“The players of the Indian hockey teams have always shown tremendous belief and support for the Indian Armed Forces who guard the safety of our nation. They are proud of the nation’s soldiers and are often inspired by their dedication and sacrifice,” said Mohd Mustaque Ahmad, Secretary General, Hockey India.

"As sportsmen, the Indian hockey teams have always shown solidarity and compassion towards the soldiers and have often dedicated their victories to the Indian Army. Today, the team strongly felt the need to condole the recent attacks carried out in Jammu & Kashmir where Indian soldiers lost their lives.

(Photo: Hockey India)

"It was a unanimous decision to wear black arm bands to condole these deaths and they wish for peace to prevail in the state of Jammu & Kashmir," he added.

We wanted to win on the field today to show not only our proud nation but all the world that we will stand up and fight for what we believe in through sport.

Manpreet Singh, India Captain

After defeating Scotland 4-1 and Canada 3-0, India thrashed Pakistan 7-1 to register their third successive win in Pool B and top the table.