Tokyo: India stunned Australia 1-0 to reach the semi-finals in women’s hockey at the Tokyo Olympics. This will be the Indian women’s hockey team’s first last four appearance at Olympic Games.
The Indian women’s team had finished fourth in the 1980 Moscow Olympics but the format in those Games was different, as there were no knockout matches.
India will face Argentina in the semi-finals, who defeated Germany 3-0 in the first quarterfinal earlier on Monday. A spot in the semifinals also means that India are guaranteed a medal match for the first-time at the Olympics.
India, who qualified for the knockout stages after finishing fourth in Pool A, started on a positive note against Pool B toppers Australia and kept the pressure on them throughout all four quarters.
India had five shots on goal compared to 14 of the World No.2 side but India’s defence was superb just like their midfield. They did not let Australia score despite conceding seven penalty corners in the match.
India goalkeeper Savita brought her A-game to the field and managed to save all 9 shots directed at her.
Social media erupted in joy for Rani Rampal’s side. “Itni khushi shayad kisi jeet par mehsoos huyi hogi! Absolute Wow moment. First ever Olympics hockey semi-finals for our girls. Filled with pride. Chak De India,” Virender Sehwag tweeted.
Australian opener David Warner praised the opposition, tweeting, “Well done to our girls they did their best and congratulations to India, good luck”.
Former India hockey star Viren Rasquinha had this to say: “India beat Australia 1-0 to reach semis in the women’s hockey at Tokyo. This might be the biggest upset in history at this stage of the tournament. So proud of our ladies!!”
Ishant Sharma tweeted, “What a wonderful victory !!The #Ind women’s #Hockey team make their way into the semi’s for the first time ever.An unbelievable and powerful match played by the women of our country, we are proud of you”.