India women’s hock team enters last fou
“A dream moment”, said the country’s sports fraternity in unison as it celebrated the resurgence of Indian hockey at the Olympics after the women’s team advanced to its first ever semifinal at the Games in Tokyo on Monday.
A day after the Indian men’s team entered the Olympic semifinals following a 49-year gap, the world no. 9 women’s side also produced a phenomenally gritty performance against the world no 2 Australia in an intense quarterfinals here.
It triggered an outpouring of emotions as people from all walks of life, including former and current sportspersons and politicians, congratulated the team. Describing it as “a dream moment”, former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha said: “Impressed with the way the Indians defended post the goal. They didn’t just defend the lead, they almost attacked the lead. They were not afraid to go up and press the Australians.
“The men’s game made us much more uncomfortable yesterday than the Australian women. Credit to the Indian women’s team. One biggest improvement in the team is the sheer physical presence, the fitness, endurance levels. In today’s modern format unless the fitness level isn’t at the highest level it is hard to survive.” Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur rose to the occasion and converted
India’s lone penalty co the 22nd minute to surp Australians.
“To score a goal aga of the best teams in h amazing. She hasn’t bee form, it took a bit of lu took two deflection b cares, what matters it w for India,” Rasquinha s
India will next take o tina in the semifin Wednesday.
Congratulating the Sports Minister Anurag wrote on his twitter “Splendid Perform Women’s Hockey #Team scripting history wit move at #Tokyo2020 into the semi-finals of th pics for the 1st time Australia.” Wishes also former sports ministe Rijiju. “India’s dream is to reality! Our Women’s Team has defeated Au India’s Men’s and W teams have reached sem at #Tokyo2020 Olympic no words to express m ment and happines tweeted.
Odisha chief miniter Patnaik, who has bee forefront in support hockey teams through s ship as well, said glory Congratulate Indian W #Hockey Team on regis thumping victory in th ter-final against Aust #Tokyo2020. May the te tinue its winning streak glory to the country. W team all the best,” he sa