The 2018–19 Women’s FIH Series Finals held in Hiroshima, Japan, from June 15-23, 2019, was an exciting tournament, and it turned out to be a historic moment for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. With some incredible performances, India not only won the title but also secured a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers. This tournament was a huge milestone for the team, and the road to victory was nothing short of impressive!
India’s Amazing Journey in the FIH Women’s Series Finals
India, ranked No. 9 in the world, was the highest-ranked team in the tournament. Their journey to the finals was full of thrilling performances, where they showed their skills, teamwork, and determination. Here’s a look at how India dominated the competition:
Group Stage: A Fantastic Start
- 15th June 2019 – India vs Uruguay (India won 4-1): India began their campaign with a strong 4-1 win over Uruguay. Skipper Rani scored the first goal in the 10th minute, and despite Uruguay creating some chances, India’s defense stayed strong. India’s lead grew with goals from Gurjant Kaur, Jyoti, and Lalremsiami to seal the win.
- 16th June 2019 – India vs Poland (India won 5-0): India’s next game was against Poland, and they put on a dominant performance, winning 5-0. Despite Poland having more possession, India created more chances. Goals from Jyoti, Vandana Katariya, and a brace from Gurjit Kaur helped India cruise to victory.
- 18th June 2019 – India vs Fiji (India won 11-0): India put on a spectacular display, crushing Fiji 11-0 in their final group match. Gurjit Kaur scored a hat-trick, and the team was in full control throughout. India made 74 circle entries, while Fiji struggled to even make one. It was a complete domination by the Indian team.
Semi-final Victory: India vs Chile (India won 4-2)
India’s semifinal match against Chile was full of drama. Chile took an early lead in the 18th minute, but India didn’t take long to equalize. Goals from Gurjit Kaur (2), Navneet Kaur, and a late strike from Captain Rani sealed a 4-2 victory, sending India to the final. This win also secured India’s spot in the Olympic qualifiers for Tokyo 2020!
Final Glory: India vs Japan (India won 3-1)
The final was set to be an exciting showdown, with India facing the host nation, Japan. India started strong, with Captain Rani scoring in the 3rd minute from a penalty corner. Japan managed to equalize in the 11th minute, but India’s star player, Gurjit Kaur, scored twice—once in the 45th minute and again in the 60th—to give India a 3-1 victory and the title of FIH Women’s Series Finals champions.
Final Standings
- India – Champions
- Japan – Runners-up
- Chile – Third place
- Russia – Fourth place
- Poland – Fifth place
India’s performances in each match were nothing short of impressive. From their attacking flair to solid defense, the team showed why they deserved to be the champions.
Awards and Achievements
Best Player of the Tournament: Rani Rampal
Rani’s leadership and play on the field were key to India’s success. Her contributions in both attack and defense earned her the title of Best Player of the Tournament.
Top Scorer of the Tournament: Gurjit Kaur
Gurjit Kaur was the star of the tournament, scoring crucial goals and showing great skill throughout. Her penalty corners and field goals made a big impact on India’s victories.
A Step Closer to Tokyo 2020
Winning the FIH Women’s Series Finals wasn’t just about the trophy—it also secured India’s qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers. This victory was an important milestone in India’s journey toward the Olympic Games, and it gave the team the confidence to aim even higher.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team has shown that they have what it takes to compete with the best in the world. Their hard work, dedication, and team spirit have set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.
Conclusion
The 2018–19 Women’s FIH Series Finals was a tournament to remember for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. From dominating the group stages to winning the final against Japan, India’s journey was full of passion and determination. This victory not only earned them the title but also a chance to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers. With their amazing performances, the Indian team has shown that they are ready to take on the world.
The road to the Olympics has just begun, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented and determined team.
