India at Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team creates history, beat Australia 1-0 to reach maiden semi final
Xtra Time Web Desk: It was a Chak de India moment for Indian women’s hockey team at the Oi Hockey stadium on Monday as they entered its maiden semi final at the Tokyo Olympics courtesy its 1-0 win over three times champion Australia. Gurjit Kaur scored the only goal for India in the second quarter. Rani Rampal and her team displayed a lot of grit and determination as they weathered the attack from Hockeyroo to seal a place in the last four stages.
Coming into the match, the odds were totally against No 9 ranked India against Australia who were ranked No 2 in the world. But Rani Rampal led Indian team, determined to prove a point, produced a strong and brave performance to eke out the narrow win over the Hockeyroos.
Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur rose to the occasion when it mattered and converted India's lone penalty corner in the 22nd minute to surprise the Australians. But the star of the match was undoubtedly goalkeeper Savita Punia as she was a like a wall in the goal, saving nine penalty corners.
The Indian women's hockey team will play Argentina in the semifinal on Wednesday.
