Prayers were not answered, hockey fans are now hoping for a bronze: The Tribune India

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

Takdeer Singh Malik, the father of Monika, a defender of the Indian women’s hockey national team, had never been excited in his life, praying with his arms crossed.

However, his concern was genuine, as emotions soared high in the India-Argentina semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics today.

Good news for the city

The good news for the city, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, DAV College, Sector 10, alumni, started his campaign at the Olympics in a positive way. Chopra reached the finals with a throw of 86.65 meters on their first attempt. The final is scheduled for August 7.

Sitting in the corner of his house, Malik prayed for the success of the Indian team. Although her prayers did not bear the desired fruit, the Indian girls managed to win their hearts by fighting against their much-interested rivals.

A 2-1 loss to Argentina is certainly not the end of the road for the Indian eve, as they can still place on the podium by winning the UK bronze medal in the playoffs on 6 August.

“They won hearts with their brilliant performance. Yes, I’m depressed, but wait a minute longer. Hopefully they get bronze. They played well today. Our girls will definitely be back, ”said Takdeer, who works as an ASI for Chandigarh police.

In the past, the Indian women’s hockey national team ate history after winning the world’s No. 2 in the Australian quarterfinals to reach the Olympic semifinals for the first time.

– The women’s team played really well. They defended well but failed to convert their chances. If they continue like this, they will fight Britain. Fingers crossed, let’s see how the match progresses, ”hockey coach Gurminder Singh said as he described India’s performance against Argentina.

Monika, who is playing her second Olympics, trained at Chandigarh Hockey Academy during her developmental years.

– The match was not easy at all. Argentina was a tough opponent and our girls played as a balanced unit. The result was not in our favor, but the performance showed that the girls feel good, ”said local trainee Kapil.

“The Indian team fought hard in the final quarter, but the Argentine experience helped them keep danger at bay while defending their lead. I just hope the Indian team wins the UK and grabs their first bronze medal, ”added hockey player Poonam.