The Indian women’s hockey team ended their 2020 Tokyo Olympics campaign without a medal to their name. While it was the farthest the Indian women’s team had come in the history of the Olympic Games, the fact that they had to return empty-handed did leave them disappointed. Coach Sjoerd Marijne, however, feels the girls won something bigger than a medal at the event.
Up against the Rio Olympics Gold medallists in the form of Great Britain, India put up a brave fight. The Indian eves scored three of their four goals in the second quarter-itself, taking a 3-2 lead at half-time. Great Britain, however, continued to ask questions from the Indian defence, eventually winning the contest 4-3.
While the morale of Rani Rampal & Co. was shattered as their bid to earn the country’s maiden Olympics medal in women’s hockey came to an end, coach Marijne is confident of seeing the girls active on the field soon.
“They are very emotional. They feel this was their only opportunity but I am telling them that there will be more. We showed how girls can fight till the last moments. That is something they don’t realise now but there will come a moment where they will realise,” he said in an exclusive chat with Times Now.
India defeated Australia 1-0 in the quarter-finals to book their ticket into their maiden Olympic semi-finals. Marijne feels it was the victory over the Aussies that truly reflects the hard work the team has put in order to prepare for the quadrennial event.
“There are a lot of disappointments in the squad, a lot of setbacks. As staff members, we worked really hard to earn those small victories. The win over Australia was the moment they (the team) had worked so hard for.
“We are happy that we created this feeling in India. Good to see people in India following hockey, especially women’s. We hope to continue this development and inspire young players to follow women’s hockey,” he asserted.
When asked about the message he gave to the girls after their defeat, the Dutchman said that he couldn’t take back their tears but told them of the impact they had created in India.
“You can’t say much as a coach, can’t take back their tears. I told them even though we didn’t win a medal, win won something bigger. What we did is inspiring many girls and making India proud. That is something bigger. They will realise it in a few days.
“I am proud of what the team has achieved. We have to be proud of what we have achieved. The girls tried to reach their potential. It is a long journey, we all have worked hard. Let’s see what is next,” he concluded.
