New Delhi [India], August 24 (ANI): Former Indian men's hockey captain Viren Rasquinha hailed the Team India women's team for their fighting performances at the ongoing FIH Hockey World Cup and said that the team could achieve an automatic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with China being their biggest obstacle.
India's campaign at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup ended heartbreakingly after a 0-0 draw against Australia saw them miss out on a semifinal berth on goals scored. India needed a victory to keep their hopes alive and reach the next round but were unable to find the breakthrough despite creating several promising opportunities. The two teams finished level on points and goal difference, but Australia secured the semifinal berth by virtue of having scored more goals during the tournament.
While Team India (ranked ninth) could reach only the second round, Viren was appreciative of the fact that they managed draws against higher-ranked teams like China (ranked fourth), England (ranked seventh), and Australia (ranked eighth).
Viren also spoke on how Team India could not make it to the Paris Olympics 2024 two years back and has now produced some impressive performances by winning the Nations Cup and delivering draws against top-ranked teams, with only one loss against the Netherlands in the second round of the World Cup being a negative.
"2 yrs ago, women's team did not qualify for Paris 2024. 1 yr ago, the team was in internal turmoil. 2 months ago, we won the Nations Cup. At the FIH World Cup, we drew with Chi, Eng & Aus, all higher ranked than us. Only loss to World No. 1 Holland. Good strong progress."
"I feel we are actually in with a shot of automatic qualification for LA 28 if we win Asian Games. China is obviously the biggest obstacle. But seeing the fitness, teamwork & confidence, it is not beyond our reach. Well done to our Women's team. This FIH WC is not yet over," he signed off.
He also lauded Team India's goalkeeping and defence, pointing out that ball possession under pressure needs to be better and the team needs to be sharper and smarter in their opponent's D while attacking.
"The defence & goalkeeping has been excellent. We need to be much more composed in ball possession under pressure, be smarter & sharper in the attacking D. Earn more PCs and get Deepika into PC action. Over dependance on Navneet in attack. But overall, very heartening so far," he further observed.
https://x.com/virenrasquinha/status/2091807733976899611
The match remained goalless throughout as both sides produced disciplined defensive displays. Australia enjoyed several penalty-corner opportunities, but India's defence stood firm, while goalkeeper Savita and her backline repeatedly denied the Australians. India also benefitted from successful video referrals that overturned key Australian chances during the contest.
India came closest late in the game through Salima Tete, Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami, but the crucial finishing touch eluded them. Head coach Sjoerd Marijne's side even withdrew their goalkeeper in the closing stages in search of a winning goal, but Australia managed to keep them at bay. Despite the disappointment, the tournament marked one of India's finest performances at a Women's World Cup. The team will now play the classification match for fifth and sixth place, ensuring their second-best finish in the competition's history after finishing fourth in 1974. (ANI)
Former Indian hockey captain feels women's team has shot at direct LA2028 Olympics qualification, reveals "biggest obstacle"
