Down but not out, say families after women hockey team’s defeat at Tokyo

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, August 6

Spirited Indian women hockey team narrowly missed the Olympics bronze on Friday after it lost 3-4 to the Great Britain in a hard-fought match, but the girls have won a million hearts and respect with their laudable performance.

Families of skipper Rani Rampal, forward player Navneet and midfielder Navjot of Shahabad said the girls made all efforts and their performance would inspire budding players. They said: “For us, they are winners.”

Rampal, Rani’s father, said: “The girls created history when they stunned three-time champions Australia to enter the semifinals for the first time. They kept fighting till the last second and they will be welcomed as winners. A majority of the players come from humble background and if the government provides them good facilities, they will definitely bring laurels for the country.”

Satnam Singh, Navjot’s father, said: “They played bravely, but it is a game and only one team can win. They have made us proud. Everyone is heartbroken at the moment but at the same time we are happy with their performance. They reached the semifinals this time and we are hopeful that they will achieve more in the next Olympics.”

Meanwhile, Buta Singh, Navneet’s father, said “It was a hard-fought match. The government should continue to support the players to boost their morale. I talked to Navneet, they all are very emotional right now.”