An “overjoyed” Indian women’s hockey team on Sunday vowed to make the most of the Olympic qualification as it will be the one last opportunity for many players to compete in the showpiece event.
The women’s team will be featuring in the Olympics after a gap of 36 years. The last time it competed was in the Moscow 1980 Olympics, where it finished a respectable fourth.
“It’s a dream come true. I am still in the process of realising that we have made it to Olympics. We were overjoyed when we came to know that we have qualified. This is a lifetime moment for each player and we will ensure that we make it more memorable by giving it a podium finish,” India captain Ritu Rani said.
Star striker Rani Rampal, whose crucial goal against Japan in Antwerp kept the Indians in the hunt, said: “This is just so unbelievable. While we were sure of a berth, now that it has happened it is still hard to believe.
“We had been playing and practising for this moment for many years now. Many in the team were aware that it would be the last opportunity to achieve our dream and play in the Olympics and this time we were adamant that we will make this happen.” —
