“Overwhelmed to receive this letter from our Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji. His constant support to athletes has motivated us to do our best at Tokyo2020. Sir, I am inspired by your passion for sport and pledge to continue my contribution to Indian sports. @PMOIndia @ianuragthakur,” Rupinder tweeted while attaching the appreciation letter by PM. 

In his social media post, overwhelmed Lakra expressed his gratitude and said, “We athletes contribute our life to the sport and when it is acknowledged by Hon’ble PM of the country, it feels like we have really done our bit for nation-building. Heartfelt thanks to Hon’ble Narendra Modi ji for his warm gesture. The time spent with you at the interaction after Tokyo 2020 will always remain memorable. Sir, I will surely take up the suggestion made by you regarding visits to 75 schools as part of #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav and continue to contribute to my country in my own little way.”

Lakra and Pal were both members of the Bronze clinching team at Tokyo. On September 30, Pal and Lakra announced his early retirement from the sport via social media platform citing “paving the way for youth to showcase their talents in the podium”

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent letters of appreciation to the staunch players for their contribution to the well-celebrated sport. 

In his letter to Pal, Modi wrote, “…I would like to personally thank you for all that you have done Indian hockey.” He pointed to Rupinder as a source of inspiration for Indian Hockey for the last decade and applauded him for his part in the resurgence of the sport in the country. 

The PM asked Rupinder to play his part in the Amrit Mahotsav by touring various schools across the country by August 2023. He also requested him to reach out to youngsters on ways to eliminate malnutrition plus promote the sport amongst them. 

“This would be a great service to the coming generations,” Modi added. 

The post Hockey Olympians moved by PM’s appreciation letters first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

Singh and Lakra were both members of the national hockey team led by Manpreet Singh that clinched at the Olympics after 41 years. Rupinder said it was time to pave the way for youngsters to play their chance at the international stage. While Lakra was the vice-captain in Tokyo.

India claiming victory over the Bronze at the 2020 Olympics (Tokyo) was an astonishing moment for the country, the occasion for which the country was waiting since 1980.

Singh (30) has played over 200 matches for India and is considered one of the best drag flickers in the world.

‘The past couple of months have undoubtedly been the best days of my life. Standing on the podium in Tokyo along with my teammates with whom I have shared some of the most incredible experiences of my life was a feeling I will cherish forever,” Singh wrote in the social media post.

“I believe it is time for me to make way for young and talented players to experience every great joy I have felt in these last 13 years of representing India,” he added.

It was 2010 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament held in Ipoh, where he played his maiden international match with India clinching gold. His name was on feature continuously for many historic victories of India including the Asian Games (2014) triumph and the Asian Champions Trophy, 2016, where India won Gold. Though his name was dropped from the team briefly in 2018, he made his way back to the team and became a part of the team that triumphed in Tokyo.

Meantime, Mr Lakra has crawled his way up through the ranks of the junior team set-up to debut for the senior national team in the 2010 South Asian Games and was a part of team India’s witnessing glory in 2014 Asian Games, bronze Medal feat in the World League Final 2015 in Raipur, silver medal-winning campaign at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha 2019 among others.

In his well-established career, the two-time Olympian caught the eye in almost all the major tournaments, including the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2014 and 2018. He, however, failed to take part in the Rio Olympics 2016 due to a knee injury and made a robust fightback to the Indian setup by playing an instrumental role in the team’s gold medal-winning accomplishment at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy.

The post “It is time for the youngsters to come to fore,” Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal retires at 30 first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

While remembering the match day, goalkeeper Savita said, “Now that I have finally had some time to reflect on our performance, I do feel we achieved something outstanding, and the best part was the journey to get here over the past five years. We have endured a lot as a team and as individuals faced tremendous odds to reach this level. I think we will always cherish this journey.”

“Though we lost very closely to Argentina in the semi-finals, we wanted to give our everything against Great Britain and we really wanted that medal around our necks and after beating Australia, we really believed this was achievable,” continued Savita, as quoted by The New Indian Express. She is among six players who have been nominated for the FIH awards. In the category of Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, her name is suggested along with Argentina’s Belen Succi and Great Britain’s Maddie Hinch.

Savita broke into tears after losing the adventurous Bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics. Her being consoled by the team’s Analytical Coach Jenneke Schopman depicted the entire nation’s feelings. The women in blue were regarded as the underdogs of the tournament. They stood 12th in Rio Olympics and a handful of people have predicted them to be medal competitors in Tokyo.

“But now I feel the expectations will grow. People have seen that we can perform at top tournaments, and I believe we can live up to these expectations. We now have the experience, and the team is poised to achieve bigger feats. The experience in Rio made us believe in ourselves and we really worked hard to get to this level, now we will work on taking it to the next level,” added she.

Savita said the team’s next goal is to play their best in the calendar year 2022. With a gap of just three years to the next Olympics, their focus is to dispose of outstanding matches at the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, aiming mainly to get on the podium in Paris.

“I actually can’t wait to return to camp in SAI, Bengaluru. It has become a place of comfort for us. There has been a lot of celebrations following the Olympics and now it’s time to get back to reality. Next year is crucial with the Asian Games and our priority will be to win Gold so we automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics. We will resume training with that target in mind,” she concluded.

The post We aim for Paris now, says goalkeeper Savita Punia first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

The recently concluded Tokyo Olympics have brought back the glory to the sport with India winning the Bronze against Belgium 4-3. But with no players from the central state in the team, the hope for Bhopal to revive the lost glory is on hold.

City stars, Inam, Syed and Sameer, represented the country at the Olympics post-independence. While Ahmad Khan was one of those players who played along with hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. 

But in the past two decades, the city has scarcely produced a handful of hockey players like Mohammed Umar, who represented India at the Junior Men’s Asia Cup, 2015 and won Gold, Affan Yousuf (Asian Champions Trophy, 2016, gold) and goalkeeper Khushboo Khan, playing for junior women’s team. 

Once known for producing great players, Aishbagh, the oldest and the only Hockey Stadium in the city, has been waiting for revival for so long now. The work, however, has been a bone of contention between the Sports Department and the Municipal Corporation and hence is in abeyance.

“Inspired by India’s recent advancement at the Tokyo Olympics, many children have started practising at the Aishbagh Stadium, which is located in the centre of the city and is free of cost,” said Dad, who’s recently made the coach of Madhya Pradesh hockey team, as quoted by The Quint.

The fondness on display by the famed player and the inclination of the teenagers towards the sport depicts that Bhopal is trying hard to revive the legacy. But renaissance won’t be easy for the city, yet, Dad is all devoted to doing whatever he can. 

The post Bhopal: Once a hockey hub, now in wait for the revival of the sport first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

Vivek was part of the national team that claimed Bronze at the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics. To him, this is a dreamlike moment as he has already been honoured with the award in the 2019-2020 season.

“I never imagined this would happen again. It is a surreal feeling to have been nominated for the second time in the same category (FIH Rising Star of the Year Award),” expressed Vivek graciously.

“I got to know this late in the night when I saw texts from my friends congratulating me. To be honest, it’s really overwhelming,” he continued, as quoted by The Hindu. 

The Indian Hockey body prepared the shortlist of all the divisions of FIH Awards 2020-21.

“It’s the result of teamwork and the support of senior players,” said the 21-year old while expressing gratitude to his seniors. 

“Since my debut, the seniors have been the biggest source of motivation. They have helped me play my natural game without any fear or pressure. That is the biggest reason why I could win the 2019 FIH Rising Star of the Year Award and also stand a chance to receive the honour for the second time,” he added further. 

He also pops off his feelings of winning the Bronze against Germany at the quadrennial games. “I still can’t believe I was part of the Olympic medal-winning team,” he voiced.

“It’s a dream of every athlete and I am really blessed to be able to live this dream at the age of 21.”

Asserting about the efforts put down by the team to execute an exemplary play in the next game, Vivek said, “…this is just the beginning and there’s still a lot of room for improvement. We have raised the bar and we have to do even better. There will be more challenges ahead and we need to be fully prepared for whatever comes our way.”

The post Indian Hockey | Twice in a row Vivek being nominated for FIH rising star first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

The recent performance of the national teams in the Tokyo Olympics was remarkable and every countryman was praising the Manpreet and Rani led teams for their outstanding conduct at the Oi Hockey Stadium, Tokyo. Thanks to the Patnaik government for seeing the potential and came to savour the sport which has a glorious history. 

India has won eight golds in Hockey since their maiden play in 1928, Netherlands Olympics. The last Gold match was in Moscow, 1980, Summer Olympics. Since then India was waiting for a medal at the most celebrated sport. This year, the men’s team claimed the Bronze at the Olympics by defeating Germany 5-4, while the women played their maiden semi-finals and stood at fourth. A marvellous play by both the teams on the world stage. 

Just when Mr Patnaik was lauding the men’s and women’s teams after the grand show at the Olympics, he announced, “We, in Odisha, are elated that our partnership with Hockey India has led to this great achievement for the country. I believe Odisha and hockey are destined to become synonymous. We will continue our partnership with Hockey India. Odisha will support the Indian hockey teams for 10 more years.”

Although the exact amount of sponsorship is yet to be disclosed. In 2018, the littoral state had signed a ₹100 crore deal with Hockey India for financing the men’s and women’s teams for 5 years after Sahara India withdrew, subsequently getting entangled in legal issues.

Mr Patnaik, who has honoured each player with ₹10 Lakh and ₹5 lakh each to the support staff, articulated that each team player has made the country proud with their blazing battle at Tokyo Olympics. 

“These are deeply emotional moments for India to witness the revival of Indian hockey. For nearly four decades, hockey fans have been yearning to see India grab a medal at the Olympics. The way the entire country was glued to the screens to watch the hockey teams’ matches, it is quite evident there is something more to hockey than just sports. In these crisis times, the teams have brought smiles to the faces of crores of Indians. We all should be thankful to our boys and girls,” he said, as quoted by the Hindustan Times. To that, showing their gratitude to him each team gifted him a framed jersey autographed by the players.

Patnaik also honoured the ‘player with the maximum number of goals scored’ award to Harmanpreet Singh while PR Sreejesh won the award for the player with the maximum number of goals saved. Nilakanta Sharma won the award for the maximum number of goal assists, Rupinder Pal Singh won the award for the player with the maximum number of defensive tackles and Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas were complimented with awards for maximum interceptions in the midfield.

In the women’s team, Gurjit Kaur and Vandana Katariya won the award for the maximum number of goals scored. Savita Punia won the award for the maximum number of goals saved. Rani Rampal and Navneet Kaur jointly won the award for the maximum number of goal assists. Deep Grace Ekka won for the maximum number of defensive tackles and P Sushila Chanu was awarded for maximum interceptions in the midfield.

“The team and I are very happy to be present here today as we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the Odisha government for supporting our team. Our team is always made to feel so welcome when we come here… Odisha feels very much like the home of Indian hockey now,” said Rani, captain of the national women’s hockey team.

On the other hand, the captain of the men’s team, Manpreet Singh, who was delighted to be back in Odisha, said, “This bronze medal may have been won by us as players, but in reality, it equally belongs to India.” He also praised the Odisha CM for providing support to the hockey teams.

The post Odisha extended sponsorship to Indian Hockey for 10 more years first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

Here are the highlights of today’s match:

Men’s hockey bronze medal match: INDvGER

8:50 AM, India won a historic men’s hockey bronze match. It was 1980 when India last climbed up the Olympic podium and won its 8th Gold at the Summer Games.

8:47 AM, Another PC to Germany. But it has been saved. India leads 5-4.

8:43 AM, Germany earned its 8th PC. But India survived. The 5-4 lead is still unhurt. Two minutes left to end the match,

8:34 AM, PC to Germany. But India managed to defence well, PC thwarted. India leads 5-4 in Q4.

8:31 AM, It was a head-to-head chance for Mandeep. Had just the goalkeeper to beat, but missed. India is ahead 5-4.

8:26 AM, Penalty corner for Germany and they scored. The game is tensed now. The difference between teams is reduced to one goal now. India 5-4 Germany.

8:20 AM, Third quarter ends. India leads 5-3.

8:17 AM, Germany is ferocious now. They managed to earn a PC but India defended well,. Lead is still intact 5-3.

8:10 AM, India earned another PC. But it has been averted by Germany. Team leads 5-3. Five minutes left in the third quarter.

8:04 AM, And another goal for team India. Simranjeet scored his second goal in the match. India began by trailing 1-3 and now leading 5-3. A high-spirited match for winning a bronze at the event.

8:00 AM, GOAL! Rupinder steps in, goaled off a PC. India is ahead 4-3 in the third quarter.

7:58 AM, India earned another PC. Germans ask for a referral, the decision is upheld.

7:47 AM, Another goal to team India. This time Harmanpreet equalised the game by scoring off a PC. Both teams are 3-3.

7:43 AM, There is a shower of goals at the OI Hockey Stadium. India attacked back, earned a PC. Hardik Singh scores a goal in favour of India. India 2-3 Germany in Q2.

7:39 AM, Third goal to Germany’s court. Germans now ahead 3-1, India is made to pay for its negligence in defence.

7:37 AM, Another goal to Germany. Opponents restored their lead 2-1. Six minutes left to Q2 end.

7:29 AM, It’s a GOAL! India scored early in Q2. Coach Graham Reid jumps in joy. Thanks to Simranjeet for the reverse strike and equalise the score. India and Germany are both 1-1.

7:23 AM, First quarter ends. India survived a bombardment of PCs in the last minutes. We need a better structure in the next 45 minutes, at least at the defence.

7:15 AM, India is trying to enter into the German circle but the structure in the attack has been missing.

7:10 AM, Almost half time left for the first quarter to end. Germany is in the dominion. India lags 0-1.

7:05 AM, Penalty corner to India. Harmanpreet to take it, but the team failed to convert. Germany is still in lead.

7:02 AM, Germany secured its first goal. Lead India through a field goal 1-0.

7:00 AM, Whistle blew! Both teams all braced up to take on the opponent.

Meanwhile, with the announcement of the results, the whole country came to roads to celebrate team India’s victory at the Olympics. Here are some glimpses from around the country.

On the other hand, other sportspersons and influential people took on Twitter to congratulate the national team for bringing a medal after a wait of 41 years. Here is what they tweeted.

What a match team India. You made India proud.

The post Bronze is ours, Well done team India! first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

From belonging to a place with a strong Naxalhold to holding the stick to escape an alcoholic father, the women team is equipped with determined and devoted members. What is it like to be a woman of dreams in a society where patriarchy still holds strong dominion? Let’s travel through their yesterday to get an idea of their journey.

Captain Rani Rampal, 26, is a forward player. She hails from Shahbad, Haryana. She’s been representing India internationally since 14. Her journey was full of hurdles. Rani was in Salwar-kameez when she holds the stick for the first time. Today, she is the key player in the national team. Known for her unmistakable ability to be at the right place at the right time, she made India name many gallantries to its account. She assisted the team win a Junior World Cup medal, Asian Cup, and was one of the key reasons why India could qualify for the back-to-back Olympics for the first time.

Neha Goyal is another player hailing from Haryana. The 24-year-old Midfielder, who hails from Sonipat, playing hockey came with two meals a day. This helped her to stay away from her alcoholic father and toxic home environment. She is representing the nation for the first time at the Olympics. Her debut was Asian Games, 2018, when she was just 18 years old. India won a silver at the Games and she was awarded the Hockey India Midfielder of the year award.

Defender Nikki Pradhan (27) gets frightened while remembering the old days when travelling even with parents was terrifying. She grew up in Hesal, Jharkhand, an area known to be a Naxal stronghold. Initial days were harsh. Grew up with financial constraints, Pradhan’s elder sister, who also played hockey, did labour work to get a hockey stick. Nikki, however, got her first pair of shoes and stick when she moved to an academy in Ranchi, 2006. It was in 2015 when she finally secured a spot in the team, just before the Rio Olympics, becoming the first player to represent the state at the Olympics.

Nisha Warsi (26) is another hockey star who made her international debut two years ago. Hailing from Sonipat, Haryana, Warsi’s father worked really hard to make sure the daughter’s needs are not compromised. But 2015 trembled the family with the father getting a paralytic attack and forcing her mother to work in a foam manufacturing factory to make ends meet. She waited for three years to get into the national team and since 2018, Warsi is unstoppable.

When northeastern face racial discrimination, the 21-year-old forward player from Kolasib, Mizoram, Lalremsiami, came to the limelight to make people think otherwise. One of the finest forwards in the team, Siami, as she is called by her teammates, is central to the idea of playing high-tempo hockey. She became a part of the national team at the age of 16. At that time, speaking Hindi or English was a tough task for her to do. Sign language and monosyllables came to her rescue. While sharing the room with her idol, Rani Rampal, Siami blended into the team. She became the first female player from Mizoram to play at the Olympics and the 2nd Olympian from the state in 25 years after Archer C Lalremsanga.

Another sports star from the northeast is Sushila Chanu (29), who hails from the capital of Manipur, Imphal. One of the experienced players in the team in the last decades alongside Rani Rampal, she worked for the Railways in Mumbai earlier. Sushila captained the team at the Rio Olympics, which was the women team’s first appearance at the Games since 1980. She has over 150 caps for the national team, has played across the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and was instrumental in stunning out the Australians in the quarter-finals.

Growing up in a family of hockey enthusiasts, Deep Grace Ekka, 27, is a defender. She is the sister of former Indian goalkeeper, Dinesh Grace. The girl from Odisha followed the footsteps of her brother and wanted to be a goalkeeper as well, but was pushed to play as a Defender by her brother. It was her fondness for the sport that made her spend a huge amount of time at practice, but to other Lulkidihi-residents spending that much on the field for a girl wasn’t very appreciating. They criticise her for not doing her ‘chores.’ Ekka, however, had a supportive family. She went on to be a part of the team that won the Asia Cup in 2017. With over 200 caps, she’s now playing at her second Olympics.

A budding star, Salima Tete, 19, is another player from Hesal, Jharkhand. She is a midfielder. Tete’s hockey journey began the same way most people in India fall in love with sports – in a dusty maidan where the stones needed to be removed and the temporary goalposts had to be constructed. She was born in a Naxal stronghold area, which is also a hockey hotbed. In her initial days, she worked on the family’s farm and bought herself a stick with the earned money. Before Olympics, she had won 29 caps for the senior national team.

The 23 year old Udita Duhan is a Hisar native. Duhan, a defender, followed in her father’s footsteps by playing handball. Never had imagined Hockey as a career pursuit, she stopped playing handball soon her coach stopped coming for practice. On the advice of her mother, she decided to try hands at hockey and her speed caught everybody’s attention. In 2016 she was named captain of the team that won bronze at the U-18 Asian Cup. A year later she was elevated to the senior team and became a permanent fixture ever since.

Forward Vandana Katariya, 26, hails from the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Making it to the quarterfinals wasn’t easy, stepped in Vandana who stood against South Africa and secured three goals. She became the only Indian woman to score an Olympic hat-trick. The achievement arrived just three months after she faced a personal tragedy. Growing up in Haridwar, locals dissuaded her family from allowing their daughter to play sports instead of focusing on household chores. But her father was adamant to ignore the societal pressure and let the daughter pursue her dream. He passed away three months ago, and Katariya was unable to attend the funeral. She will now play for the team facing Great Britain for the Bronze on August 5.

Navneet Kaur (25), is a forward. She hails from Shahbad, Haryana and is one of eight players in the team who also battled at the Rio Olympics. She’s been one of the most consistent forwards of the country. With her debut in the Junior World Cup, 2013, when India won a bronze, she has been a part of several path-breaking performances. She considers Australian great Jamie Dwyer as her idol and on Monday, she put up a courageous performance defeating her hero’s national team.

Midfielder Monika Malik (27), is another player from Sonipat, Haryana. Her father Takdeer Singh Malik, ASI with the Chandigarh police, is fond of wrestling. But Monika affirmed that he never had imposed his likeness on her. She was free to choose the sport of her interest and Malik decided to pursue the hockey route. She started her hockey training at a government school in Chandigarh. She holds a business administration degree from Kurukshetra University. On the hockey field, she was a part of the national team in the Asia Cup in 2018, and 2014, winning silver and bronze respectively.

Defender Gurjit Kaur (25), belongs to the state of Hockey legend Dhyan Chand and Balbir Singh Sr. Hailing from Amritsar, Punjab, she claimed the lone goal at the Tokyo Olympics that made India win the quarterfinal against Australia. The defender has been chipping in with crucial goals throughout her international career, scoring eight at the Asia Cup triumph in 2017, and was the top scorer when India won the 2019 FIH Women’s Series Finals.

What were you doing at 19? Well, the Hisar teenager Sharmila Devi is representing India at the Olympics. The forward made her international debut in Tokyo at the Olympic Test Event in 2019. She was also on the scoresheet when India beat the United States 6-5 to secure qualification. Sharing her journey, she explained that her inclination for hockey developed at a little age while accompanying her grandfather, a former national player, to a local ground. It was the balls used in Hockey, Volleyball and football which she found fascinating. It took a while to choose one sport as a career.

(With inputs from The Indian Express)

The post Poverty, Hardships, Struggle, couldn’t break the hopes of eves of team India; a journey to Olympics first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

The winning team will now face India or Argentina after the completion of another semifinal match scheduled at 3:30 PM today.

Initially, both the teams stood up for a strong fight against each other. They both confronted each other in 2016, Rio Olympics when Great Britain triumph over Netherlands 2-0.

However, this year at the Oi Hockey Stadium, history was not going to repeat itself as the Netherlands goaled 5 and Great Britain maintained only one. A proud moment for the Netherlands!

After losing their finals against Great Britain in Rio, Netherlands burned the candles at both ends and won every championship followed Summer Olympics, 2016, including the most desired 2018 World Cup. They now stand at the no. 1 position in the hockey rankings.

What favoured their victory?

In the initial minutes of the second quarter, they broke Britain’s resistance. Felice Albers scored through the legs of Rio hero, Maddie Hinch, on 19′ before Marloes Keetels doubled their advantage with a slick move from inside the circle.

From that point, the game shifted towards the Dutch side. By the end of the game, they scored three more goals, defeating Great Britain badly, with Albers doubling her goal tally on 38′ and Maria Verschoor and Frederique Matla rounding off the scoring. The team will now race for Gold against the winner of the 2nd semifinal match between India and Argentina. While Great Britain will face the loser for bronze.

Hockey finals are scheduled for Friday.

The post Netherlands enters Hockey Finals, thrashed Great Britain 5-1 first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.

Although today’s match was disappointing for team India as they were behind the opponent with just one goal. This, however, counted as the best performance of the women hockey team as they defeated the world no. 2 champions Australia in the quarters and made it to the semis for the first time at the Olympics.

Fingers crossed! Hoping for a medal in Hockey at the Olympics.

Here are the highlights of today’s match:

5:05 PM, Game Over! Argentina won over India 2-1. Well played teams.

5:03 PM, Umpire’s verdict, no penalty corner for India.

5:02 PM, India has gone for a referral asking for PC in the last two minutes of the game.

4:59 PM, India is eyeing on the equaliser but two minutes late. Argentina managed the game very well by keeping the ball in India’s half.

4:53 PM, Penalty corner to India. Argentina successfully saved itself. India still struggling to take lead.

4:51 PM, India is furious now, making continuous efforts to snatch the possession from the opponent.

4:47 PM, Fourth quarter begins. India has 15 minutes to turn the match in favour.

4:45 PM, End of the third quarter. India lags 1-2 against Argentina.

4:36 PM, Argentina still in dominion. India struggling to make raids in the opposition circle.

4:34 PM, Argentina’s goal upheld. South American team leads 2-1.

4:31 PM, This time Argentina converts the PC. That goes for an umpire referral though.

4:30 PM, Argentina earn a Penalty Corner in just five minutes entering the third quarter.

4:23 PM, Third quarter starts.

4:14 PM, Half time. Both teams are 1-1.

4:10 PM, Argentina earned a PC. Can India deflect it?

4:09 PM, the umpire reviews the video. No penalty corner for India this time.

4:07 PM, Another penalty for India. Argentina has gone for a referral.

4:05 PM, India failed to convert. Argentina survived again.

4:05 PM, Another PC for India.

4:05 PM, Argentina dodged off the ball almost immediately.

4:03 PM, Penalty corner to India. Rani Rampal and Salima Tete combined to get a PC for India.

4:00 PM, India is not happy. Looking to hit back on the opponent.

3:57 PM, At last, Argentina made a goal by taking advantage of the PC. Both stand 1-1.

3:54 PM, Another penalty corner to Argentina.

3:53 PM, Argentina failed to take advantage again. India is still in lead.

3:52 PM, Penalty corner to Argentina.

3:52 PM, Second quarter begins! Argentina is all set to attack back on the opponent. Tension hurling over the stadium.

3:52 PM, First quarter ends. India leads Argentina 1-0.

3:51 PM, Medical attention needed. Navneet Kaur has to leave the field for the moment after a head collision with an opponent player, who also left the field for treatment.

3:45 PM, The Argentines are eyeing for more of the ball, team India trying to defend at best.

3:40 PM, First penalty corner to Argentina. Can India stop the opponent?

3:39 PM, Argentina make a circle entry but the Indian defence hastily crowds out the opposition and the ball is averted from danger.

3:37 PM, India is all enthused, playing with full confidence. Argentina is trying to cope up with the early blow.

3:34 PM, And Goal! Gurjit Kaur successfully converts the PC. What a start. Well done team India!

3:32 PM, India is awarded a penalty corner. Can they convert it?

3:30 PM, Whistle blew! Sjoerd Marijne’s India went off to write a new chapter on the women hockey team’s achievement. Aimed to reach the place where no other team has ever been to. Argentina stands in the way of a historic final.

3:25 PM, Teams are ready. India started the match.

2:50 PM, After stunning Aussies, India is ready to take on Argentina. Can they beat the heavyweight champions team?

India women hockey team made it to the semifinals for the first time at the Olympics. The achievement is beyond words!

How does India come so far?

After giving a befitting reply to Australia, the Indian women hockey team qualified for the first time for the semifinal at the Olympics. India is just a win away to settle its victory in the Summer Games.

It was Gurjit Kaur’s strike that contributed to world no. 2 champion Australia’s defeat. Rani Rampal and her squad have prepared their grounds to take on the opponent, Argentina, on Aug 3. So far the women in blue have already performed their best at the Olympics, and should they succeed in defeating Argentina they will end in the top two spots on the podium.

India played its maiden quarter-final match against heavyweight Australia on Monday. Throughout the event, the national team struggled to score a goal, but the air blew to their favour only at 22’ with Gurjit Kaur being able to strike the lone goal, favouring India’s victory. Although Australians fought tooth and nail to give a befitting reply to India, Rani and her team managed to keep them at bay and clinched a heroic victory.

Team India was able to save eight giant PCs while converting only one that they got in the match to script a historical win at the Olympics. Before facing Australia, India took on Ireland and South Africa in their final group stage games.

“Very happy with the win, everybody worked very hard for this win. We performed like one team and we are feeling so happy to have qualified for the semifinals. Thank you to all those who supported the Indian women’s team. This team is like a family, including the coaching staff. Our entire country supports us and everybody’s prayers are with us,” said Gurjit Kaur, the lone goal-getter after winning the game. 

On the other hand, Argentina won over Germany 2-0 in their quarter-final battle. Argentina is positioned 5th in the world. They have claimed victory in five out of six matches, losing their opening match against New Zealand.

It will be a real test for team India to face a team like Argentina on the battleground.

Score Board of India

• India lost to Netherlands 5-1
• India lost to Germany 2-0
• India lost to Great Britain 4-1
• India beat Ireland 1-0
• India beat South Africa 4-3
• India beat Australia 1-0 (QF)

Score Board of Argentina

• Argentina lost to New Zealand 3-0
• Argentina beat Spain 3-0
• Argentina beat China 3-2
• Argentina beat Japan 2-1
• Argentina beat Australia 2-0
• Argentina beat Germany 2-0

The post INDvARG|Argentina won 2-1, India will battle for bronze against GBR first appeared on The History Book of Indian Hockey.