India's men's hockey team ended a 41-year Olympic medal drought with a bronze in Tokyo, sparking hopes for a ninth gold in Paris. The sport's evolution from grass to astroturf has seen Germany dominate, with Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Australia, and Argentina also excelling. Players like Hardik Singh and Manpreet Singh lead India's charge, aiming to transition their bronze in Tokyo to gold in Paris. India faces strong competition from top-ranked nations in the International Hockey Federation standings, emphasizing the need for a robust defensive strategy and a focus on counterattacks. President Joko Widodo of Indonesia has similarly encouraged their Olympic contingent, aiming for gold in badminton, sport climbing, and weightlifting at the Paris Olympics, building on their past successes in Tokyo.