Tokyo: Taking inspiration from the men’s team that got into the medal rounds after a gap of four decades, Indian women’s hockey scripted a historic moment of their own by making their maiden entry into the semifinals at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Monday.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Australia’s High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell and many other dignitaries also congratulated the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on winning the quarterfinals match and advancing to the Semifinals at the Olympics Game.
India defeated world No. 2 Australia 1-0 in the quarterfinals to storm into the last-four stage, marking their maiden entry into the medal round with a brilliant performance against a team that had dominated the tournament so far and was one of the favourites to win the gold medal.
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.#Cheer4India @thehockeyindia
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 2, 2021
Drag flicker Gurjit Kaur scored the all-important goal in the 22nd minute with a powerful flick that deflected off a defender’s stick into the goal.
The Indians then defended superbly and did not allow Australia, three-time gold medallists in the Olympics, to score in the entire second half with defenders Deep Grace Ekka, Udita and Gurjit Kaur and midfielder Monika, standing like a wall to guard the goal. And whenever the Aussies got past them, goalkeeper Savita was there to save India as she pulled off at least seven brilliant saves to thwart the Hockeyroos.
The Indians attacked aggressively, defended stoutly and controlled the midfield that allowed them to enjoy possession in the first half. Australia could not get into their rhythm early on and kept chasing the ball in the entire match.
India dominated the first half; they enjoyed more possession and also created better chances against an Australian team that had dominated Pool B with an all-win record in five matches.
