The 2019 Indian Women’s FIH Olympic Qualifiers were a crucial series for the Indian women’s hockey team as they aimed to secure their spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Held between 25th October and 3rd November 2019, the qualifiers were a final opportunity for teams to qualify for the prestigious event. The Indian women’s team played their matches at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with the home crowd supporting them throughout their journey.
The Matches Breakdown:
India vs USA (First Leg) – 1st November 2019
- Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
- Result: India won 5–1
The first leg saw a dominant performance from the Indian Women’s Hockey Team as they delivered a 5-1 victory over the United States. Gurjit Kaur starred in the match, scoring two goals, while Lilima Minz, Sharmila Devi, and Navneet Kaur added one goal each. India took a commanding lead in the first leg, setting up a strong position for the second leg. The team’s dominance in both defense and attack showed their determination to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
India vs USA (Second Leg) – 2nd November 2019
- Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
- Result: India lost 1–4
In the second leg, the United States mounted a strong comeback, winning the match 4-1. Despite this, India’s significant lead from the first leg ensured that they still qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with an overall aggregate score of 6-5 across both matches. Gurjit Kaur scored the lone goal for India in the second leg, but it wasn’t enough to stop the USA’s efforts. India’s solid first leg performance proved to be the deciding factor in their qualification.
India’s Journey to Tokyo:
India’s qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics marked a significant achievement in the history of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Despite the setback in the second leg, their strong performance in the first leg secured their spot in the upcoming Olympic Games. This qualification was particularly significant as it marked India’s second consecutive Olympic qualification, following their participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
This achievement also solidified India’s place as one of the top teams in international women’s hockey, with their performances in both legs showing their skill and resilience. India’s victory in the 2019 FIH Olympic Qualifiers ensured that they would be competing at the highest level in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Final Standings:
- India: Qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
- USA: Did not qualify
Conclusion:
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team made history by qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after their performance in the 2019 FIH Olympic Qualifiers. Their aggregate score of 6-5 against the USA secured their place, despite a tough second-leg loss. The team’s strong first leg victory was key to their success, and they now look forward to competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
This qualification marks a milestone in Indian women’s hockey and continues their legacy of Olympic participation, showcasing their growth and potential as a competitive force on the world stage. As they prepare for the Olympics, the team remains focused on achieving their best performance in Tokyo 2020.
