Indian women’s hockey team secures 2016 Rio Olympic berth

Reuters: India’s women hockey team qualified to play in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as the nation celebrated its National Sports Day on 29 August.

India, who finished fifth at the hockey world league semifinals in July this year, bagged the historic berth as the place opened up after the Netherlands and England reached the final of the Euro Hockey Championships in London.

India’s only previous qualification for the Games was in 1980, when they finished a commendable fourth.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that the Indian women’s team had qualified for the Rio Games.

“India qualified after England defeated Spain in the semifinals of the Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London, which ensured that the only teams who could now win the event had already qualified for Rio through the Hockey World League Semifinals - Netherlands and England (as Great Britain),” the FIH said in a statement.

Indian Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal congratulated the team as he along with sports players gathered on the eve of the National Sports Day.

“This is a greatest moment for women’s hockey and the country and we are definitely hopeful that this time this women’s hockey team, along with the men, will bring a medal from the Olympic podium. No doubt about it. I especially congratulate everybody,” said Sonowal in New Delhi.

The news of the qualification added colour to the celebrations of National Sports Day, held on the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Dhyan Chand.

An event was held by the sports ministry where prominent sportspersons, including ace tennis player, Sania Mirza, attended to pay tribute to Chand.

Chand, born on 29 August, was considered the greatest hockey player of all time.

The legendary hockey player won gold medals for India at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics.

Known as ‘The Wizard’ for his superb ball control, Chand played his final international match in 1948. He scored over 400 goals during his international career.

Meanwhile, India’s women’s hockey team captain Ritu Rani said that the team would work harder for the Rio Olympic Games.

“We have been working very hard for this day, and due to hard work the day has come. We will try to perform better in our game, work harder and rectify our past mistakes so that we perform well at the Rio Olympics,” said Rani.

Players of the Indian hockey team also expressed their happiness over the qualification.

The Indian women’s team now joins nine other teams who have already qualified for the 2016 Rio Games - Korea as Asian Games champions, Argentina as Pan Am Games champions, Great Britain, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the US through the Hockey World League semifinals.