TokyoIndia’s women’s hockey team has already done what no previous Indian team has been able to do. They have entered the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympic Games and will face Argentina in the much-awaited match. India defeated strong Australian players in the quarter-finals.
Gurjit Kaur scored the only goal for India, which was also their first goal at the Olympics. The Indian team continued to dominate the Australian team by showing a remarkable attacking game throughout the match. Under the leadership of captain Rani Rampal, the Indian team made it to the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games for the first time in 41 years.
These girls are flouting the stereotypes related to women in Indian society. Though some decent performances from India’s women’s hockey players won’t change the age-old patriarchal beliefs, here’s a start to what looks like a bright future for women’s hockey.
There are 16 girls playing in Tokyo Olympics 2020, but today we show you the probable XI and the story behind all these women who represent India at the ultimate level!
Just raw, sheer emotions. ️
this festival of #end Women’s Hockey Team World No. 2 #End Have we all gone through a rollercoaster of emotions! 👏🔥
Tokyo2020 | #unitedbyemotion | #stronger together | #Hockey pic.twitter.com/cZvyFWaXFy
— #Tokyo2020 for India (@Tokyo2020hi) 2 August 2021
Probable starting XI: Savita Punia (GK), Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Udita, Neha Goyal, Monika Malik, Rani Rampal (C), Navneet Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Navjot Kaur, Nisha.
captain Rani RampalThe 26-year-old forward, who hails from Shahbad, Haryana, is one of India’s leading players. He made his debut at the age of 14 and devoted almost half of his life to the sport. She is the captain of India and is one of the main reasons for India’s success in Olympic Games and previous medals in Asian Championship etc.
goal keeper savita puniaSavita is one of India’s senior players in the line-up. Jodhka The 31-year-old from Haryana did not always like goalkeeping very much. The struggle of an Indian hockey player is not limited to just one thing. Punia had to carry a heavy goalkeeper’s kit everywhere from buses to trains. It was only after Punia’s father bought him a new kit that he started taking the sport seriously. Punia has inspired a generation of goalkeepers in India with his stellar performances.
Deep Grace Ekka: This 27-year-old defender hails from Lulkidihi, Odisha. She comes from a hockey background as her brother Dinesh was a goalkeeper and her uncle was also a hockey player.
Gurjit Kaur: She is from Amritsar, Punjab and is 25 years old. She is nicknamed ‘Guri’ and was the top scorer in the 2019 FIH Women’s Series Finals even after being a defender. He also scored the most important goal against Australia.
Udita Duhani: 23-year-old defender from Hisar, Haryana. She started her career as a handball player but later shifted to hockey as per her mother’s suggestion. She was the captain of India’s Under-18 team.
Neha Goyal: A 24-year-old girl from Sonepat won the Hockey India Midfielder of the Year award. She comes from a difficult background as she had to bear the brunt of a ‘drunken’ father who ‘abused’ her mother. To come out of these bondages and perform in the final stage is a test.
Monica Malik: Sonipat Another player from Haryana, the 27-year-old midfielder has lived her life in Chandigarh. Her father is an ASI in Chandigarh Police. She has managed to stay in the team for a long time.
Navneet KaurThe 25-year-old forward from Haryana was also a part of the 2016 Rio Olympic team.
Vandana KatariyaBorn in Lucknow and raised in Haridwar, the 25-year-old forward was the difference maker against South Africa. India was in do or do position when this UP girl scored a hat-trick and eased India’s path to the knockout qualification.
Navjyot KaurThe 26-year-old midfielder from Haryana is the daughter of a mechanic. His desire to play sports is immense. He played his last hockey at Sanjay Gandhi National Park School.
Nisha Warsi: The 26-year-old midfielder from Sonepat, Haryana made her debut a few years back. Her father was a tailor but could not work due to a paralytic attack. After that, her mother worked in a foam manufacturing factory.
Tomorrow men’s hockey team, today women’s hockey team…
absolutely love it. 👏🏻😃 🏑Best wishes for a place in the women’s team #olympics Semifinals for the first time!
The whole country is behind you! #Hockey #tokyo2020 #teamindia pic.twitter.com/jI18wX35by
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 2 August 2021
It is really inspiring to see all these women coming out of challenging situations and making it big at the national level. She was India’s playing XI which is likely to start against Argentina on Wednesday.
Win or lose, these women have already made the country proud.
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