Ranchi witnesses Olympic disappointment as India succumbs to Japan

In a must-win match, the Indian women's hockey team faced a heartbreaking defeat as they were unable to secure the goals needed for a victory. The final hooter marked the end of their dreams, leaving the players in silence and disappointment.

Despite numerous opportunities, including nine penalty corners, India failed to convert any, while Japan seized a vital chance in the sixth minute. This single goal determined the final Paris Olympics spot from the FIH Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi.

Post-match reflections and disbelief

After the match, the players sat in silence on the dugout benches, visibly upset. The coach, Janneke Schopman, addressed the team in a quieter tone than the animated chants before the game. This loss adds to the disappointment following their fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

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Captain Savita Punia expressed the team's struggle to accept the outcome, stating, "This is really hard for us to take." She emphasized that the team believed they deserved a spot in the Olympics, despite falling short in this critical match.

Struggles in high-pressure games

The Indian team, which had shown promise in matches like the Tokyo Olympics, seemed to falter in high-pressure situations, struggling to match their finishing flair. Coach Schopman acknowledged the team's domination but emphasized the need for goal-scoring.

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The disappointment of not qualifying for the Paris Olympics lingers, leaving the team and fans disheartened. The coach's contract extends till the Paris Games, but uncertainty surrounds her future in the role. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance under Schopman but acknowledged the sadness of missing out on the Olympics after qualifying for the past two Games.