The skies may have been heavy with rain, but the spirits were high as Amritsar warmly welcomed the Indian hockey team upon their arrival from the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The bronze-winning team touched down at Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport early Sunday morning, where they were met with a jubilant reception from family, fans, and local politicians.

Of the squad that clinched their second consecutive bronze medal, nine players hailing from Punjab arrived in the holy city. The notable players included Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Hardik Singh, Sukhjit Singh, Gurjant Singh, Shamsher Singh, and Jugraj Singh. They were accompanied by their coach and their family members.

As the players emerged from the airport, they were greeted with a vibrant display of Punjabi culture, featuring the rhythmic beats of traditional ‘dhols’ and garlands. The enthusiastic reception was further highlighted by floral tributes from local ministers, showcasing the region’s pride in its hockey heroes.

The team then proceeded to the Golden Temple, where SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami offered a heartfelt tribute to the players. Dhami presented them with a model of Sachkhand Harmandar Sahib, religious texts, and ‘Siropas’—traditional robes of honor.

Dhami expressed profound pride in the achievement of the Punjab players, emphasizing that their success was a moment of collective pride for the state. He extended his congratulations and expressed hope for further accomplishments in the future. Dhami encouraged the youth of Punjab to draw inspiration from the players’ dedication and consider pursuing sports. He also highlighted the Sikh organization’s ongoing support for athletes, noting the special significance of having a player like Harmanpreet Singh, who embodies the Sabat Surat Gur Sikh ethos.

In response, Harmanpreet Singh conveyed his gratitude and sense of blessing for being able to visit the Golden Temple with his teammates. He acknowledged that their success was made possible by the blessings of Guru Sahib and expressed hopes for even greater achievements in future competitions.

Harmanpreet also thanked the SGPC for their warm welcome and respect, underscoring the profound impact of such support on the team’s morale and motivation.

The reception in Amritsar underscored the deep connection between the region and its sports heroes, celebrating not just the team’s achievement but also the broader spirit of pride and unity that defines Punjab.

(Image and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com)