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The Indian junior women’s hockey team returned home after a splendid bronze medal-winning performance in the recently-held 7th Junior Women’s World Cup in Mochengladbach.
The Blueskirts outduelled England 3-2 in a penalty shootout in the bronze medal play-off match to make a podium finish – which was their best-ever showing in the marquee event.
In fact, the Indian junior hockey eves had never reached the quarterfinals or the semifinals of the big-ticket event, which only exemplifies the magnitude of their achievement in Germany.
Hockey fans came in for a rude jolt when India were thumped 1-6 by Australia, who surprisingly went on to finish sixth losing to Spain in the 5th-6th place play-off tie. A heavy defeat in the tournament opener and India were staring at the hellish prospect of not making it to the quarterfinals.
But the Sushila Chanu-led side showed nerves of steel to hold New Zealand to a goalless first half in their second game before scoring two second half goals to seal the fate of the junior Black Sticks.
India then needed a big win against Russia in their last league game to push New Zealand to the third spot in Pool C as the Black Sticks had hammered Russia 10-0 in their opening tie.
India did just that, spanking Russia 10-1 before Australia did them a favour holding New Zealand to a 3-3 draw in their last league tie to enable the Blueskirts qualify to the last-eight stage. It may be noted that India wanted to New Zealand to draw or lose for them to qualify.
Indian team had as many as twelve players, who were part of the senior team that finished a poor seventh in the first women’s Hockey World League Round 3 event in Rotterdam.
Only vice-captain Rani Rampal, Poonam Rani and Vandana Katariya figured in the last World Cup in Boston in 2009.
Rani Rampal was one of the star performers, scoring six goals, include one in regulation time in the bronze medal play-off tie as well as two later in the penalty shooutout.
Vandana Katariya was also a prominent performer, netting four goals including a fine hat-trick against Russia.
Poonam Rani also put up a good show upfront.
Not just the forwardline, the entire team played as a cohesive unit and gave hockey fans something to rejoice about after a long while.
