finished in fourth place Tokyo Olympics On Saturday, team captain Rani Rampal said that the women’s hockey team has ignited a spark and if “we can build it properly, the team will end up on the podium”.
Queen’s team suffered a 4-3 loss to Great Britain in the bronze medal playoff on Friday, missing out on a place on the podium in Tokyo. But Rani says the team is definitely capable of winning a medal in the next 2024 or subsequent Olympics (2028).
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“We have received a lot of appreciation from all over the country, people have loved the way we play, the fight we have fought in our matches and I am sure it will inspire the next generation of women players. If we go ahead with this performance, I am sure that one day the women’s hockey team will be on the podium (at the Olympics). I may or may not be with them, but the team will definitely be there,” Rani said during a virtual press conference on Saturday.
She said that although coach Sjoerd Marin has decided to move on because he wants to spend time with his family, other members of the support staff should be retained so that the good work continues.
“Hockey India has arranged a lot of exposure tours; Sai has arranged so much for us, has given good facilities, I just hope that it continues. Although Sjoerd has decided not to continue and return home, there are other members of the support staff, Janneke (Shopman, analytical coach) is there, Wayne (Lombard, scientific advisor) is there, we need to maintain consistency,” she said. added.
“The support staff have done a great job. He has instilled in us the self-confidence… that we can compete with the best players in the world,” said team member Nisha.
Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur said that the performance of the team has made people realize that women’s team is also capable of winning medals. “People have given us a lot of support; They have appreciated our performance, the fighting spirit we have shown in every match. I thank him on behalf of the team. They need to keep it going.”
Regarding the team’s plans, Rani said that next year is very important as there are Asian Games and Commonwealth Games schedule as well as the Asia Cup, which is a qualifier for the World Cup.
She agreed with Marijne that the team needs to play a lot of matches and gain more experience and experience. Asked whether this is the right time to organize a professional league for women players in the country, Rani said she would leave the decision to Hockey India.
“There are a lot of issues involved in running a league and as a player, I don’t understand those things. So I will leave it to Hockey India. But I agree with Sjoerd that we need to play more matches. The junior team also needs exposure as he is the feeder line of this team.”
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