Indian women’s hockey and rugby teams created history in what was a blockbuster weekend for Indian sports. While the former won the FIH series finals, the latter won its first international game in what may be perceived as a giant leap for the country in the sport of rugby.
The hockey team defeated Asian Champions and hosts Japan 3-1 on Sunday to clinch won the FIH Women’s Series Finals at the Hiroshima Hockey Stadium.
The Indians started the final with a bang, with skipper Rani Rampal scoring an early goal in the 3rd minute. Although the team conceded an equalizer in the 11th minute, that was the last mistake that the Women in Blue did.
After a sustained pressure from the team, Gurjit Kaur gave India the lead in the 45th minute. The ‘Drag Flick Queen’ then scored the winner in the 60th minutes, to see World No.9 India lift the FIH title. The team had earlier marked their presence in the FIH Olympic Qualifiers 2019 on Saturday, by defeating Chile in the semifinals.
Earlier this month, the Indian Men’s teams had also won the FIH Series Finals at Bhubaneswar by beating South Africa 5-1 in the finals.
1 year-old Women’s Rugby Team wins first international game
Earlier in the weekend, Indian women’s rugby team had created history by registered its first international victory. They defeated a higher-ranked Singapore team by 21-19 at the Asia Women’s Division 1 Rugby XVs Championship fixture at Manila on June 22. Moreover, the victory ensured India of a bronze medal.
The win is also special considering the team was formed just a year back. It was the team’s 19-year-old scrum-half Sumitra Nayak who made the difference, by converting a final penalty. Unsurprisingly, the entire team as well as the coaching staff was in tears after having achieved the milestone.
This is what it means! Goosebumps doesn't even come close. Congratulations @RugbyIndia pic.twitter.com/VfNBaYXOWC
— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) June 22, 2019
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Twitter Reactions
Here is how the Twitter reacted on Indian Women’s teams marquee achievements:
Combined team effort helped us perform well throughout this tournament and win finals against Japan in the #FIHSeriesFinals Thanks to our coaches, support staff @TheHockeyIndia @Media_SAI for their guidance and continuous support. Looking forward to working more hard. pic.twitter.com/3KmlwYBzrb
— Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) June 23, 2019
Congratulations and Jai Ho to the @TheHockeyIndia women’s team on winning the International Hockey Federation Series finals in Hiroshima. The nation is proud of you. Thank you.???????? #FIHSeriesFinals #INDvJPN pic.twitter.com/GiM1VKxoCy
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) June 23, 2019
Indian Women's rugby team captain strongly believe that this is not only a proud moment for them, it is a new international beginning for her team @Siba_TNIE @NewIndianXpress @RugbyIndia @Tier2RugbyForum pic.twitter.com/dsSJ95UJe1
— Tanmay Das (@tanmay__das) June 23, 2019
Congratulations, team India for winning at #FIHSeriesFinals.
Indian Hockey Team secured a place in Olympic Qualifiers by defeating Japan in semifinals.
With their determination and hard work team India has excelled at this endeavor.
All the best for the upcoming adventures.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 15, 2019
Hearty congratulations to Indian women's hockey team for securing an Olympic qualifier berth by becoming the first finalist in FIH women's Series Finals. #IndiaKaGame #FIHSeriesFinals #RoadToTokyo #Tokyo2020 @TheHockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/oBZo3rcR0j
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) June 22, 2019
India beat host Japan 3-1 to win Women's FIH Series Finals title. With this win India also secures its place in the Olympic Qualifiers to be held later this year.
Both women and men won #FIHSeriesFinals this year. Kudos ????? pic.twitter.com/Nsw8u5OeOD
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 23, 2019
We won against Japan in final???
Celebration time??#FIHSeriesFinals #FIHSeriesFinalsHiroshima pic.twitter.com/LScK3B3Y40
— Bhanuja (csk??) (@missbj) June 23, 2019
We congratulate the Indian women's rugby team for making history by registering their first international 15s victory. This is a proud moment for India and the team who made this possible. We wish you all the best.
— Congress (@INCIndia) June 22, 2019
Historic memories last forever. This one surely will!#TeamIndia Women's rugby claimed a stunning first-ever international 15s victory over Singapore, finishing 3rd at the @asiarugby Women's Championship! #Kudos Girls @RugbyIndia ?#WeAreTeamIndia?? pic.twitter.com/tE0xxnzXi7
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) June 22, 2019
While we're busy watching #INDvAFG, Indian Women's Rugby Team created history by winning their first-ever 15s International match beating Singapore 21-19 at the Asian Championship. Kudos to Women in Blue ???? pic.twitter.com/2WAsn6CtwS
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 22, 2019
