“A dream moment,” the country’s sports fraternity exclaimed as it celebrated Indian hockey’s resurgence at the Olympics. The women’s team advanced to its first-ever semifinal on Monday in Tokyo.
The world no. 9 women’s team delivered a tremendously combative performance against the world no. 2 Australia. In an exciting quarterfinal, both the men’s and women’s teams made it to the semi finale. The men’s team made it to Olympic semi-finale after a wait of 49 years.
It sparked an outpouring of emotions, with people from all walks of life congratulating the squad. The former and current athletes and politicians everybody heartily congratulated the teams.
“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, fitness, endurance levels. In today’s modern format unless the fitness level isn’t at the highest level it is hard to survive.”
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha described it as “a dream moment,” saying, “Impressed with the way the Indians defended post the goal.”
They didn’t just defend the lead; they were on the verge of attacking it.
They were not scared to walk up to the Australians and push them.
To surprise the Australians, Gurjit Kaur rose to the occasion and converted India’s lone penalty corner in the 22nd minute.
“To score a goal against one of the best teams in hockey is amazing. She hasn’t been in the best form, it took a bit of luck, as it took two deflections but who cares, what matters is it was a goal for India,” Rasquinha said.
On Wednesday, India will face Argentina in the semifinals.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur congratulated the team on Twitter, writing: “SPLENDID PERFORMANCE!!! With every move at #Tokyo2020, #TeamIndia’s women’s hockey team is writing history! For the first time, we’ve advanced to the Olympic semi-finals after beating Australia.”
In his tweet, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said: “What a start to the day! It’s a historic moment in Indian Hockey with our women’s team reaching the semis after beating Australia in the quarterfinal 1-0. #GoForGold #Cheer4India #Hockey.”
