Despite losing 2-5 to Belgium in the men’s hockey Olympic semifinal, Team India received plenty of praise on Twitter for their valiant effort throughout the match. The scores were level at 2-2 until the final quarter, but Belgium scored three goals in the final 15 minutes of the contest to make it 5-2. The scoreline wasn’t an actual reflection of the game considering the first three quarters were closely fought. Hockey India took to social media to hail Team India, and lauded their efforts. “You win some, you lose some. You have done us proud,” the tweet read.

You win some, you lose some.

You have done us proud. #HaiTayyar #IndiaKaGame #Tokyo2020 #TeamIndia #TokyoTogether #StrongerTogether #HockeyInvites #WeAreTeamIndia #Hockey pic.twitter.com/eYNz0VBaAs

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 3, 2021

Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi urged fans to support the team for their bronze medal match. He wrote, “Tough loss.. it’s going to take a lot of positivity, heart and belief to bounce back quickly and play a big match to win the bronze . So let’s rally behind @TheHockeyIndia .. #common #RuknaNahiHai #Olympics”.

Tough loss .. it’s going to take a lot of positivity, heart and belief to bounce back quickly and play a big match to win the bronze . So let’s rally behind @TheHockeyIndia .. #common #RuknaNahiHai #Olympics

— Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) August 3, 2021

Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh were the goalscorers for India. Meanwhile, Alexander Hendrickx scored a hat-trick for Belgium, with Loick Luypaert and John-John Dohmen scoring a goal each.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the team and wished them luck for their future endeavours. “Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020 gave their best and that is what counts. Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavours. India is proud of our players”, he tweeted.

Wins and losses are a part of life. Our Men’s Hockey Team at #Tokyo2020 gave their best and that is what counts. Wishing the Team the very best for the next match and their future endeavours. India is proud of our players.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2021

Tushar Khandker, who represented the Indian men’s hockey team at the 2012 Olympics, wrote, “For me you are all #Champions, the result is not on our side but the courage and efforts you all have put in and took Indian hockey from where it belongs @TheHockeyIndia #hockey #IndianHockeyTeam #Tokyo2020 #Cheer4Indiia #OlympicGames”.

For me you are all #Champions, the result is not on our side but the courage and efforts you all have put in and took Indian hockey from where it belongs @TheHockeyIndia #hockey #IndianHockeyTeam #Tokyo2020 #Cheer4Indiia #OlympicGames

— (@tusharkhandker) August 3, 2021

Here are the other reactions:

Boys,

You played well.

You gave it your best.

We’re with you.

We still have a match to go.

We are #TeamIndia !

And we DONT EVER GIVE UP ! pic.twitter.com/Cq8rXjc3aC

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 3, 2021

Don’t feel bad boys, you have already made India proud. You can still come back with Olympic medal. Give your best for the bronze medal match #Cheer4India https://t.co/NiBChp0NZD

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 3, 2021

Well played

Congratulate Indian Men’s Hockey Team for putting up a brave fight in the #Hockey Semi Finals of #Tokyo2020 against World Champion Belgium. What they have achieved so far will inspire a generation of sportspersons. Wish them all the best for future. #Cheer4India

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 3, 2021

No need to lose heart over the loss to Belgium in the semi-finals in men’s hockey in Tokyo Olympics. Our players have displayed wonderful dexterity & teamwork all through the tournament. My best wishes for their next match! #TokyoOlympics

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) August 3, 2021

The Indian team will face either Australia or Germany in their bronze medal match. Both countries face each other in the other semifinal on Tuesday.