Chak De India: Indian Women’s Hockey Team Defeats Japan In FIH Women’s Series Finals

The World Cup has got us hooked, not just because of the innings but also because of the controversies and the stories coming out every day. India beat Pakistan last Sunday with a great margin and the country erupted with joy, but our women’s hockey team, too, celebrated a big win this week.

Indian women’s hockey team had an impressive win against Japan on their home ground. The team sure did us proud, defeating the host team by 3-1. While the cricket fans rejoiced team India’s win against Afghanistan, this ace women’s team defeated Chile by 4-2 and then went to score their spectacular win against Japan at the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) Women’s Series Finals held at Hiroshima Hockey Stadium. 

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Now, the team has secured a place in the top seven in world rankings. This will give India hosting rights for the two-leg qualifiers likely to held in October or early November.

More importantly, team India has secured its position to compete in the 2020 Olympic qualifiers!

Indian captain Rani Rampal scored a goal in the third minute of the game. Japan’s Kanon Mori equalised the score by hitting a goal in the 11th minute. The second half of the match was super intense with Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur scoring two goals, at the 45th minute and the 60th minute. This last-minute penalty corner hit by Gurjit assured India’s win.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on Twitter.

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There’s some good news for rugby fans too! The Indian Women’s Rugby Team made history by winning their first international match. India emerged victorious against Singapore with a 21-19 score.

Reportedly, Indian team’s coach, South African rugby legend Naas Botha, asked the support staff after the 80th-minute whistle if it was indeed “our first ever victory.” In the minutes that followed, Botha’s question was answered by the sheer weight of emotions displayed on the field.

Congratulations, India! 

 

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