Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Santiago, Oct 26, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The 33 miners who were trapped in an underground mine in Chile received a heroes’ welcome at the presidential palace by President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago. However, the grand reception was not the only initiative to honor the miners for the courage and spirit that they displayed during their ten-week long ordeal, as a friendly football match was also held in which the miners were pitted against their rescuers.

Although in the football match, the team of miners were able to give an impressive performance, things failed to go in their favor as they were defeated by the government team 3-2. During the match, the miners took an early lead courtesy an opening goal that was scored by their team member, former professional footballer, Franklin Lobos. However, the government team which was captained by none other President Sebastian Pinera, did not give up very easily as they went on to capitalize on the mistakes that were committed by the opponents and ultimately emerged triumphant. The large number of crowds gathered at the National Stadium in Santiago cheered boisterously for both the teams as the 16 players rotated in and out to give a chance to all the 33 miners.

The miners who remained trapped in the San Jose mine for a period of more than two months created a history of sorts when they were brought to safety earlier this month after an operation that is pitched as the biggest rescue venture in the mining history. Meanwhile, President Sebastian Pinera has promised that new initiative to ensure better protection of the miners would be taken in the near future although details remain sketchy.