Crackers, dhol beats welcome hockey player Sumit Kumar in Sonepat

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Sonepat, August 11

Amid dhol beats and bursting of crackers, hockey player Sumit Kumar returned to a rousing welcome to his native village Kurad in the district today. The Indian men’s hockey team created history by clinching a medal in the Tokyo Olympics after a gap of 41 years.

Members of Sumit’s family, villagers, friends, budding players and school students welcomed the hockey star, showering flower petals on him and honouring him with a garland of currency notes.

Villagers and relatives danced to dhol beats at Bahalgarh Chowk, Murthal Chowk and in Kurad village.

Proved a point

At the start of the Olympics, the team was written off because it had several young lads, but we silenced the detractors. — Sumit Kumar

Overwhelmed with the rousing welcome, Sumit said, “I am missing my mother. Her blessings are always with me.”

He further said, “The hockey team has given a strong message to the world by winning a bronze medal in the Olympics. Initially, the team was written off because it had several young lads, but we silenced the detractors.”

Sumit said the team’s next target was to win gold medal in the upcoming tournaments. “The camp for Asian and Commonwealth Games will start soon,” he added.