Xtra Time Web Desk: The names of Rani Rampal, Savita Punia, Vandana Katariya, Gurjit Kaur, Lalremsiami, Nisha Warsi will be etched in the history books as the Indian women’s hockey team sealed their maiden semi final spot of Tokyo Olympics on Monday. The Indian eves defeated Australia 1-0 in the quarter finals at the Oi Hockey stadium.
The stories of Rani Rampal and her girls are life inspiring. Nisha Warsi made her international debut against Uruguay in the 2019 FIH Women’s Series Finals in Hiroshima. The Indian midfielder Nisha has been a relatively new addition to the team, however, her fiery attitude on the field has won everyone’s heart at the Tokyo Olympics. Nisha’s journey in hockey began in Sonipat. Haryana. Her father, who works as a tailor in a retail store, was instrumental in Nisha pursuing her dream to play hockey for India.
According to Nisha, “My father always dreamt of seeing me play for India and even though he toiled day in and day out to ensure three meals a day for my family, he never discouraged me from playing hockey. He somehow managed to keep aside a few hundred rupees that would help me travel for a tournament. The financial condition of the family was not such that I could pursue a sport, but I was determined to face the odds and my father’s unconditional support allowed me to play,”
Nisha’s teammate Neha Goyal has played a big role in ensuring Nisha picked up the hockey stick. The midfielder from Haryana will look forward to giving her best in the semifinals against Argentina for a place in the final. What an inspiring story it will be for Indian women’s hockey.