New Indian Express: Skipper Ritu Lives Dream as Women Hockey Team Ends Olympic Wait

NEW DELHI: Some dreams do come true! Indian women’s hockey captain Ritu Rani could barely speak as the news of them qualifying for the Rio Olympics came in. After all, it was something they have been chasing for the last three decades — a spot in the Olympics.

Ever since childhood, the girls have only heard stories about how Indian eves had made it to the Moscow Olympics in 1980, and how things went haywire thereon. But on Saturday as the nation celebrated the birth anniversary of hockey legend Dhyan Chand, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that Indian women’s team has qualified for the Rio Games. Finishing fifth at the Hockey World League Semifinals in Antwerp last month was enough for India to clinch the historic berth as a place opened up after the Netherlands and England reached the final of the ongoing Euro Hockey Championships in London.

And as the news came in, the players who are in the national camp couldn’t control their emotions. There were celebrations at the DLTA Complex. “This is a dream come true for us. After finishing fifth in Belgium, we knew we had a chance, but this is special. Taking part in the Olympics after three decades is a matter of pride and it is yet to sink in,” captain Rani told Express. After narrowly missing out on an Olympic berth four years back, the players too were wary of a ‘turn of events’. Aware that equations could change anytime also added to the tension, but now that they are all set for the mega event, the players mean business. “We have had issues with the penalty-corners, and in the last few games we have also conceded last-minute goals. We have time in hand, and we will try our best to address these issues,” striker Rani Rampal, who played a key role in Antwerp, added.

As the players are busy celebrating their moment of success, chief coach Mathias Ahrens has already requested the Hockey India to organise some international friendlies. “Hard work has actually paid off, but the real test starts now,” Ahrens admitted.

The Canadian coach took charge a couple of months before the World Hockey League semifinals, and there were speculations on whether he would be able to help the eves qualify. Ask him about that and the Canadian says all that is in the past now. “We have a year left for preparation, and we should make the most of it. The Hockey India has assured us of all support, and hopefully we will finalise some exposure tour soon,” the Canadian informed.