heartbreak-for-indian-women-s-hockey-as-paris-olympics-dream-ends

Heartbreak for Indian Women's Hockey as Paris Olympics dream ends

The Indian contingent was under immense pressure to secure a victory after suffering a heart-wrenching 3-4 defeat in a shootout against Germany just a day prior.

- Ranchi - UPDATED: January 19, 2024, 06:51 PM - 2 min read

Heartbreak for Indian Women's Hockey as Paris Olympics dream ends

New Zealand players, clad in black jerseys, exult in celebration after successfully scoring a goal in the FIH Women's Olympic Qualifiers match against Italy at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Friday.

In a bitter disappointment for Indian hockey fans, the women's team fell short in their quest for a Paris Olympics berth, succumbing to a 0-1 defeat against Japan on Friday.

The decisive goal came from Kana Urata, who converted a penalty corner in the first quarter, securing the lead for Japan, a lead they successfully maintained until the final whistle.

The Indian contingent was under immense pressure to secure a victory after suffering a heart-wrenching 3-4 defeat in a shootout against Germany just a day prior.

With the Paris Olympics spot hanging in the balance, the team needed a triumph in the third-fourth place clash to keep their dreams alive.

After a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Games in 2021, expectations were high for the Indian women's hockey team as they aimed to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics.

However, the hopes of the home team were shattered as they failed to find the target throughout the match, sealing their fate and marking the end of their Paris Olympics aspirations.

The defeat comes as a significant blow to the Indian women's hockey team, especially following their remarkable journey in Tokyo, where they clinched a historic fourth-place finish.