The outstanding performance of the Indian Women’s Hockey team leads us to believe that hard work, perseverance, and commitment are paid well, though it may not be awarded but certainly have attributed to winning millions of hearts in India.

The fighting spirit of players was displayed throughout the game, from taking lead to falling behind. People cannot deny how inspirational as well as hair-raising the game was. Unfortunately, the Indian team could not win any medal, but the perseverance and fight took them to new heights of glory. This was the first time the Indian Women’s Hockey team reached in semi-finals after defeating Australia.

The game started off with Great Britain’s lead with two goals in the first quarter, but the team India did not lose hope and with a lot more strength they threw themselves into this fight. To the spectator’s amazement, they scored three goals within ten minutes in the second quarter by Gurjeet Kaur and Vandana Kataria. Indian golf keeper Savita Punia came out as a safety pillar in front of GB and saved at least three times.

During this time, all perspiration, struggle to gain, pushing, and striving hard carried on. Although in the final quarter, Great Britain took lead, the spectators could witness the team spirit amongst Indians who did not seem to let it go till the end. For many it could be just a game that many players get involved in, but who can guess how difficult it had been for these women to reach, to achieve this stage. In India, there still are social inhibitions with regard to women’s involvement in sports. Some of them have crossed the boundaries to fulfill their dreams. They had to face challenges with social norms such as return to home on time, wearing shorts, and spending more time in practice; in addition, some of them had to have a hard time with their families in terms of the traditional approach towards marriage.

Rani Rampal, the captain of the Indian Women’s hockey team in the Tokyo Olympics, is the epitome of strong resolution. She had to come too far to make her dream come true. She was rejected by a coach from a nearby academy a few times, unsupported by the family about her idea of playing hockey. At last, she started playing with a broken hockey stick and constantly pleaded to her family to allow her to play. Finally, her family agreed, and this was how her journey started.

Not only Rani, many others like Sharmila Devi- the forward striker, Navjot Kaur-Midfielder, Monika Malik-Mid fielder, Navneet Kaur-Forward, Gurjeet Kaur-Defender, Vandana Kataria-Forward, Salima Tete-Midfielder, Savita Punia- Goalkeeper. Neha Goyal- Midfielder, Nisha Warsi- Midfielder, Sushila Chanu- Midfielder, Lalremsiami-Forward, Deep Grace Ekka- Defender, Nikki Pradhan- Defender, Udita Duhan- Defender all have their own stories of success and struggle to share. No matter they lost the medal, today, numerous social media accounts in India are filled with songs of praise for these players for their arduous efforts which they truly deserve. It is unquestionable that the Indian women’s hockey team will register its remarkable comeback with much more vigor and willpower.