Team India earns berth at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers

The Indian women's hockey team continues their unbeaten run as they beat Chile 4-2 in the semi-final to reach the final of the FIH Women's Series Finals Hiroshima 2019 on Saturday at the Hiroshima Hockey Stadium. The victory came as a significant milestone for the Eves, as it ensured them a berth at the FIH Olympic Qualifiers 2019. Led by captain Rani Rampal, the team will face either Russia or Japan (winner of the second semi-final) on Sunday in the summit clash for the coveted Gold medal. The World No. 9 Indian team are the top-ranked team taking part in the tournament, and secured their place in the Semi-Finals through convincing victories in their Pool A matches against Uruguay (4-1), Poland (5-0) and Fiji (10-0). Chile, ranked 16th in the world, gave India a stern fight in the opening quarter of the match, where both teams fought hard for possessions and remained unsuccessful in converting their penalty corners. In the second quarter, Chile drew the first blood as Carolina Garcia took advantage of an Indian defensive error and struck a field goal at the 18th minute. India hit back with an equaliser just four minutes later as the drag-flick specialist Gurjit Kaur converted yet another well-taken PC, outwitting the Chilean goalkeeper. Lalremsiami Right after the half-time break, India edged past their contenders after Navneet Kaur scored a field goal in 31st minute. Gurjit further added to the Indian goal tally from another immaculate PC in the 37th minute. Chile tried to pull off a comeback as Manuela Urroz converted a fine cross in the 43rd minute to make it 3-2. The proceedings moved to the final quarter with India having a narrow edge over Chile. Captain, Rani, finished off in style with a brilliant reverse stick shot on the goal at the 57th minute to make it 4-2 for Indian eves.

Setting an exemplary feat, the young Indian forward, Lalremsiami, battled bereavement of her father’s death and stayed with the team to take part in the victory. The 19-year-old has scored twice for India in the tournament. Lalremsiami’s father, Lalthansanga Zote, died of a heart attack in the early hours of Friday.

The Indian team was struck by the news of the demise of her father on Friday morning. Captain Rani said that the team is behind the young Forward, and is determined to win the tournament. "It is obviously the toughest moment for Lalremsiami, but all of us in the team are doing our best to support her. It is difficult, but we have to deal with this as a team and as a family. The team and support staff are there to support her in this difficult moment," said Rani. "Our aim has always been to be on the path to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. But this news makes us more determined to win the match tomorrow, and win the tournament for her and her father," added the 24-year-old skipper.