Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, Ashwin, FIH president Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey and a number of the different bigwigs from the state have been escorted to the pitch and launched to the gamers who had lined up within the center earlier than the beginning of the match.
The group then witnessed a heartwarming scene after the Nationwide Anthems have been sung.
Whereas the opposite company walked off the pitch giving their greatest needs to the gamers, India off-spinner Ashwin stood again to attend for goalkeeper Sreejesh, who got here sprinting and the 2 legends of Indian sports activities exchanged a hug.
India went on to beat Pakistan 4-0, due to a brace by skipper Harmanpreet Singh and a purpose every from Jugraj Singh and Akashdeep Singh. The defeat put Pakistan out of the match.
When Timesofindia.com requested Sreejesh after the match what phrases he and Ashwin exchanged in that transient second, he joked: “Veterans now!” and burst into laughter.
“It was a fantastic gesture from him. He’s a legend, such a senior participant, present worldwide workforce member, and nonetheless he recognised me,” a modest Sreejesh advised TimesofIndia.com.
“He got here to say hello. It is one thing I can cherish for my lifetime as a result of no one does that. Severely.”
India will tackle defending champions Japan within the semifinals on Aug 11. The opposite semifinal can be between South Korea and Malaysia on the identical day.
