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 had 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 had been sung.
Whereas the opposite friends 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, because of a brace by skipper Harmanpreet Singh and a purpose every from Jugraj Singh and Akashdeep Singh. The defeat put Pakistan out of the event.
When Timesofindia.com requested Sreejesh after the match what phrases he and Ashwin exchanged in that temporary second, he joked: “Veterans now!” and burst into laughter.
“It was a terrific gesture from him. He’s a legend, such a senior participant, present worldwide crew member, and nonetheless he recognised me,” a modest Sreejesh instructed 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. Critically.”
After the large win, the Indian crew was evidently glad, posing for selfies, and Sreejesh working throughout the sphere to a piece of his followers cheering ‘Sreejesh, Sreejesh’ and lovingly calling him ‘Anna’ (elder brother) with the intention to draw his consideration.
And like all the time, he did not disappoint them, leaping over the fence for a gaggle selfie.
India will tackle defending champions Japan within the semifinals on Aug 11. The opposite semifinal shall be between South Korea and Malaysia on the identical day.