- Friday, April 26, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
THE victory of the Indian women’s team against favourites Australia in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics on Monday (2) has left the country in endless jubilation. The 1-0 win saw the women in blue making their first-ever semi-finals at the quadrennial tournament in their third appearance.
The historic victory, which came just a day after the Indian men’s team also made the semi-finals at the Olympics after 49 years, is already being called the “mother of all upsets” at the Tokyo Games.
ALSO READ: Follow Tokyo Olympics 2021 news here
Rani Rampal’s side has made a fairy-tale-like comeback in the tournament after losing their first three matches against the Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain and will take on Argentina in their semi-final clash on Wednesday (4).
Greetings poured in from all walks of life over the women team’s feat. From politicians to sportspersons – former and current – congratulated the members over their win.
Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha called the win “a dream moment” to say, “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.”
India men’s hockey team makes Olympic semis after 49 years
He added, “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.”
Rasquinha also praised Gurjit Kaur, who converted India’s only penalty corner in the 22nd minute of the game to give her side the decisive goal, to say, “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.”
Union 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.”
Former sports minister Kiren Rijiju said in a tweet, “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!”
Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha where the 2018 men’s world cup in hockey was held, said glory was awaiting. Patnaik, who has been at the forefront in backing hockey teams through sponsorship as well, said, “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.”
Congratulations Indian Women’s #Hockey Team on the spectacular win over Australia to seal the semifinal berth in #Tokyo2020. What a terrific game the team played against Australia! Keep the momentum going and wish the team best of luck. #Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/mIPv3lo20a
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 2, 2021
Another former sports minister Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who has also won an Olympic silver (Athens 2004), tweeted, “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.”
Shooter Abhinav Bindra, who has won India’s only individual gold medal at the Olympics (Beijing 2008), said, “Incredible Morning. So proud of our women’s hockey team. Nothing unites us the way sport does !!!”.
Incredible Morning. So proud of our women’s hockey team. Nothing unites us the way sport does !!! #twomoretogo
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 2, 2021
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.”
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.”
India football team captain 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 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— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) August 2, 2021
Former India cricketer VVS Laxman, who often had his good form with the bat stored for Australia, tweeted, “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.”.
Former India cricket captain Virender Sehwag said, “Itni khushi shayad kisi jeet par mehsoos huyi hogi (perhaps no other win gave this much joy)! Absolute Wow moment. First ever Olympics hockey semi-finals for our girls. Filled with pride. Chak De India #Hockey”
Itni khushi shayad kisi jeet par mehsoos huyi hogi!
Absolute Wow moment. First ever Olympics hockey semi-finals for our girls. Filled with pride.
Chak De India #Hockey pic.twitter.com/c9I5KZFaZ5— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 2, 2021
Indian cricket board 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.”
