The Indian women’s hockey has qualified for the Olympics despite a 1-4 loss to the USA in the second leg of the qualifier played at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha.
India had won the first leg of the qualifier on Friday by a 5-1 margin and thus the one goal on Saturday was enough for the team to book a ticket to Tokyo.
India qualified for the Olympics on a 6-5 aggregate. Rani Rampal scored the only goal of the second leg for India but that was enough for the hosts to book their place in next year’s Summer Olympic Games. USA had managed to rattle India and led the home team 4-0 at half time. After goals from Amanda Magadan, Kathleen Sharkey and Alyssa Parker, USA levelled the proceedings at 5-5 on aggregate. But captain Rani Rampal managed to take India through.
Men’s hockey team also qualified for 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Men’s team trounced Russia 7-1 to seal Tokyo Olympics spot.