Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India captain MS Dhoni was at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey stadium to cheer the Indian women’s team for their crucial Hockey Olympic Qualifier against Germany on Thursday. Savita Punia and her team did not let Dhoni down as they displayed tremendous determination before bowing out to a strong German side in penalty shootout.

The two-time World Cup winning captain demonstrated his unwavering support for the India women's hockey team as they battled in the Olympic qualifier semifinal in Ranchi. Widely known for his love of sports beyond cricket, Dhoni graced the live match to cheer for the women on the field, showcasing the mutual respect among athletes representing the nation.

Also Read: Hockey Olympic Qualifiers: India suffer heartbreaking 2-2 (3-4 SO) loss to Germany in semi-final 

The encounter unfolded as a thrilling contest between India and Germany, with the women's hockey team putting up a remarkable performance that captured the attention of fans and spectators alike. Despite an outstanding effort that resulted in a 2-2 draw before the final whistle, fate took a turn during the penalty shootout.

With Dhoni in the stands, witnessing the nail-biting shootout, the Indian women fought valiantly but fell short by a slender margin of 3-4 against Germany. The loss, while disappointing, highlighted the team's resilience and skill on the field, earning them admiration from spectators, including the iconic former India captain.

Here is the video:

https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1748003226602049954?s=20

For more sports news: Click here