Hockey India congratulates women's team for Rio qualification

The Indian women’s hockey team qualifies for the Summer Games after a gap of 36 years (Image Credits: Hockey India)

Hockey India congratulated the Indian women’s hockey team on their historic achievement for booking a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The wait to represent the Indian contingent at the Summer Games ended after a staggering 36 years.

Hockey India President, Mr. Narinder Batra applauded the whole staff and everyone who has worked hard to make this dream a reality.

“It is a proud moment for Hockey India and the whole country. We have been waiting for this for the last 36 years and this achievement is the sweetest and the most memorable among all our previous feats in recent times,” Mr Batra said, as reported by Hockey India.

Mr. Batra even commended the parents and the sponsors who had worked tirelessly to achieve this great feat and was hopeful of a good show at the 2016 Summer Games.

“I congratulate all the players and coaching staff who made this dream real and this achievement also shows their commitment toward their responsibilities. Hockey India thanks all the coaches who trained these players at their respective academies, parents, sponsors and the entire hockey fraternity, who continuously motivated the players and without their support, we could not have achieved this success,” he added.

Finished 5th at the Hockey World League semis

The Indian women’s team finished at impressive 5th position at the recently concluded Hockey World League semis at Antwerp, Belgium. But the Indian team wanted other regional tournaments results to go in their favour and that’s what happened when Spain lost the semi-final clash against England during the Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015.

Hockey India Secretary General, Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad also applauded the efforts of the Indian women’s hockey team and all the people who made this significant achievement possible. He said, “ The Olympics qualification is indeed a great achievement for the India Women Team and the Indian hockey fraternity. The players and the Coaching Staff have done a commendable job and they are still training hard for the 2016 Olympic Games.”

However, he still believes that the job is half-done till now and is hopeful of a first-ever Indian women’s hockey podium finish at the 2016 Summer Games. He added, “I congratulate the whole team and the people who have been working hard behind the scene to achieve this success.”

The team has rightfully earned the place in the Games through a rigorous qualification process. The Indian Women Hockey team last time featured in the Moscow 1980 Olympics, where they finished at a respectable 4th position.