India rejoices as women’s hockey team makes maiden entry into Olympic semifinals | Tokyo Olympics News – Times of India
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 corner in the 22nd minute to surprise the Australians.
“To score a goal against one of the best teams in hockey is amazing. She hasn’t been in best form, it took a bit of luck, as it took two deflection but who cares, what matters it was a goal for India,” Rasquinha said.
India will next take on Argentina in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Congratulating the team, Sports Minister Anurag Thakur wrote on his twitter handle: “Splendid Performance!!! Women’s Hockey #TeamIndia is scripting history with every move at #Tokyo2020 ! We’re into the semi-finals of the Olympics for the 1st time beating Australia.”
Splendid Performance!!!Women’s Hockey #TeamIndia is scripting history with every move at #Tokyo2020 !We’re into… https://t.co/0jFDtpo6Xt
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) 1627878902000
Wishes also came in former sports minister Kiren Rijiju.
“India’s dream is coming to reality! Our Women’s Hockey Team has defeated Australia! India’s Men’s and Women’s teams have reached semi-finals at #Tokyo2020 Olympics! I have no words to express my excitement and happiness!,” he tweeted.
India’s dream is coming to reality! Our Women’s Hockey Team has defeated Australia! India’s Men’s and Women’s teams… https://t.co/Gt09RKL0Pj
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) 1627878809000
Odisha chief miniter Naveen Patnaik, who has been at the forefront in supporting the hockey teams through sponsorship as well, said glory awaits.
” Congratulate Indian Women’s #Hockey Team on registering a thumping victory in the quarter-final against Australia at #Tokyo2020. May the team continue its winning streak & bring glory to the country. Wish the team all the best,” he said.
Glory awaits!Congratulate Indian Women’s #Hockey Team on registering a thumping victory in the quarter-final agai… https://t.co/YpXYXOsncX
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) 1627879907000
India’s first ever individual silver at the Olympics, shooter Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, who was also the sports minister in the past, wrote: “Congratulations to the Flag of India Women’s Hockey Team for entering the #Olympic semi-finals. You’ve made India proud! Best wishes for the next match.”
Congratulations to the ???????? Women’s Hockey Team for entering the #Olympic semi-finals. You’ve made India proud! Be… https://t.co/4oAM02ubzF
— Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) 1627880049000
The country’s lone individual Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra too sent his best wishes.
“Incredible Morning. So proud of our women’s hockey team. Nothing unites us the way sport does !!!,” he wrote.
Incredible Morning. So proud of our women’s hockey team. Nothing unites us the way sport does !!! #twomoretogo
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) 1627879338000
Rio bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik tweeted: “THESE GIRLS HAVE DONE IT! THEY HAVE DONE THE UNTHINKABLE! The #IND women’s #hockey team are into the SEMI-FINALS after beating #AUS 1-0.”
THESE GIRLS HAVE DONE IT! THEY HAVE DONE THE UNTHINKABLE! ????The #IND women’s #hockey team are into the SEMI-FINA… https://t.co/VHEcqiIo8v
— Sakshi Malik (@SakshiMalik) 1627879276000
Multiple-time world champion cueist Pankaj Advani also took to the social networking site to wish the Rani Rampal-led side.
“Chak De India! Indian hockey has been been super impressive at the #OlympicGames Imagine if both men and women came back with Gold medals First place medalFirst place medal #Cheer4India,”
Chak De India! Indian hockey has been been super impressive at the #OlympicGames Imagine if both men and women cam… https://t.co/UUcDX9a6b2
— Pankaj Advani (@PankajAdvani247) 1627879579000
India football team skipper Sunil Chhetri wrote: “If you thought Sunday was good then our women have just gone and made Monday exceptional with a performance for the ages! First semifinal appearance in an Olympic Games and that’s how you do it – with a big, solid fight. Had us glued throughout. #TeamIndia #Tokyo2020.”
If you thought Sunday was good then our women have just gone and made Monday exceptional with a performance for the… https://t.co/7twdHPK9sT
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) 1627879472000
Former batsman VVS Laxman too congratulated the team.
“Our girls have created history. Beaten #AUS in the quarter-final match of women’s #hockey by 1-0 to seal their spot in SEMI-FINAL for the first time ever! Best wishes for the semis. #Tokyo2020,” he tweeted.
Our girls have created history.Beaten #AUS in the quarter-final match of women’s #hockey by 1-0 to seal their spo… https://t.co/zgZd7RqF07
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) 1627879313000
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.”
What a start to the day! It’s a historic moment in Indian Hockey with our women’s team reaching the semis after bea… https://t.co/LiJT8mNuey
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) 1627880556000
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