Prayers unanswered, hockey lovers now hope for bronze

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

Praying with folded hands, Takdeer Singh Malik, the father of Indian women’s hockey team defender Monika, had never been so tense in his life.

His worry, however, was genuine as emotions ran high during the semifinal clash between India and Argentina at the Tokyo Olympics today.

Good news for city

In some good news for the city, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, a DAV College, Sector 10, alumnus, started his campaign at the Olympics on a positive note. Chopra qualified for the finals with an 86.65m throw in his first attempt. The final is scheduled to be held on August 7.

Sitting in a corner of his house, Malik prayed for the Indian team’s success. Though his prayers did not bear the desired fruit, Indian girls managed to win the hearts as they went down fighting against their much fancied rivals.

The 2-1 loss to Argentina is definitely not an end of the road for Indian eves as they can still finish on the podium with a win over the Great Britain in the bronze-medal playoff on August 6.

“They won hearts with their stellar performance. Yes, I am disheartened, but let’s wait for some more time. Hopefully, they will bag a bronze medal. They played well today. Our girls will bounce back for sure,” said Takdeer, who works as an ASI in the Chandigarh Police.

Earlier, the Indian women’s hockey team etched history after they beat world No. 2 Australia in the quarterfinals to enter the Olympic semifinals for the first time.

“The women’s team played really well. They defended well, but failed to convert their chances. If they continue to perform like this, they will give a tough fight to the Great Britain. Fingers crossed, let’s see how the match pans out,” hockey coach Gurminder Singh said while describing India’s performance against Argentina.

Monika, who is playing in her second Olympics, trained at the Chandigarh Hockey Academy during her formative years.

“The match was not easy at all. Argentina was a tough opponent and our girls played like a balanced unit. The result was not in our favour, but the performance indicated that the girls are in high spirits,” said Kapil, a local trainee.

“The Indian team fought hard in the final quarter, but Argentina’s experience helped them keep the danger away as they successfully defended their lead. I just wish Indian team overcome the Great Britain and grab their first ever bronze medal,” added Poonam, a hockey player.