Indian women are being hailed across the country after they created history in Tokyo by pulling off a stunning victory against mighty Australia to reach their first-ever semi-final in the Olympic games. This was after Gurjit Kaur scored a brilliant goal from a penalty corner in the 22nd minute of the match.
The win against Australia in the quarter-final assumes significance given that they were three-time champions. Indian women had managed to win just two matches before advancing to the knockout stage, while Australians had won all their games.
It’s not that Australians did not make attempts to break the Indian wall to score, but Savita Punia’s commendable efforts in goal meant that Aussies were simply unable to score.
No sooner did the news of the Indian women’s victory emerge, Indians went into a frenzy applauding their heroic achievement. Industrialist Naveen Jindal highlighted the contribution made by the Odisha government under Chief Minister Naveen Jindal to support both the men’s and women’s team for a number of years.
Odisha is the official sponsor of both our #Hockey teams (men’s and women’s).
It’s really great to see Hon’ble CM Shri @Naveen_Odisha ‘s support and encouragement for @TheHockeyIndia team on the day of an extremely crucial #INDvGBR match at #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/HPHFauNwQm
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) August 1, 2021
Celebrate the joy of 2 hockey teams in Olympic S-F, remember to send a humble thank-you note to Odisha and its CM @Naveen_Odisha ….For 6 years now, the not-so-rich state has sponsored & nursed both men and women's hockey teams. If only more states were to spend on sport..
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 2, 2021
Itni khushi shayad kisi jeet par mehsoos huyi hogi!
Absolute Wow moment. First ever Olympics hockey semi-finals for our girls. Filled with pride.
Chak De India #Hockey pic.twitter.com/c9I5KZFaZ5— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 2, 2021
India beat Australia 1-0 to reach semis in the women’s hockey at Tokyo. This might be the biggest upset in history at this stage of the tournament. So proud of our ladies!! ????????????
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 2, 2021
Reacting to the Indian women’s team’s historic win, Patnaik tweeted, “Glory awaits! Congratulate Indian Women’s #Hockey Team on registering a thumping victory in the quarter-final against Australia at #Tokyo2020. May the team continue its winning streak & bring glory to the country. Wish the team all the best.”
Glory awaits!
Congratulate Indian Women’s #Hockey Team on registering a thumping victory in the quarter-final against Australia at #Tokyo2020. May the team continue its winning streak & bring glory to the country. Wish the team all the best.#Cheer4India @thehockeyindia
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 2, 2021
The sensational victory in the Olympic quarter-final by Indian women comes just hours after Indian men’s hockey team created history by reaching the semi-final in Olympics for the first time in 49 years.