Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian women’s hockey team can feel proud even after their heartbreaking 3-4 loss to Great Britain in the bronze medal match at Tokyo Olympics on Friday. Even a die hard supporter of Indian women’s hockey team hoped that Rani Rampal and her girls will make it to the semi-finals. It has been a courageous display by each and every member of this Indian women’s hockey team and the man behind bringing such a change in attitude among the girls is none other than coach Sjoerd Marijne. The Dutch coach ensured that the shoulders did not drop after the 1-4 loss to Great Britain in the group stages and kept the team believing in themselves.
Following the disappointing loss, the Indian women’s hockey team head coach, Sjoerd Marijne took to social media to say that even though they failed to win the match and a medal, they won something bigger and that is they inspired millions of girls in India that their dreams can come true.
He wrote: “We did not win a medal, but I think we have won something bigger. We have made Indians proud again and we inspired millions of girls that dreams CAN come true as long as you work hard for it and believe it! Thanks for all the support!”
The unheralded Indians displayed great determination and will power to make it to the maiden semi finals at Olympics. They surprised the entire world by beating World No 2 Australia in the quarter finals. The performances of Savita Punia, Rani Rampal were awe inspiring throughout the tournament. Despite losing to Great Britain the Indian women hockey players can return to country with heads held high.