Goalkeeper Savita Punia saved all nine shots fired at her. Therefore, earning the notable epithet “The Wall” on Twitter.
On Monday, the Indian women’s hockey team startled Australia to advance to the semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics. The team also made history by being the first team to qualify for the Olympic Games semifinals. (mundonow.com) It defeated three-time champions Australia by a single goal. The odds were also stacked against India going into the match. As world number two Australia, a formidable unbeaten opponent, likewise awaited them in the final eight round.
India also put forth a strong performance to beat the Hockeyroos by a razor-thin margin. Gurjit Kaur, a drag-flicker, likewise rose to the occasion in the 22nd minute; then converting India’s lone penalty corner to surprise the Australians.
“Wall of Indian Women Hockey Team: Savita”
“Great game by everyone, Savita was phenomenal,” wrote parliamentarian Naveen Jindal.
When India defeated Australia 1-0 to get to the semi-finals, analogies to Chak De! India was unavoidable. So, Shah Rukh Khan played the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team in the 2007 film. In the hit film, the underdog squad also went on to win the World Cup against all odds. Chak De! India references swarm on social media this morning following India’s surprising victory. It also came only a day after the Indian men’s team returned to the Olympic semifinals after a 49-year absence.
“First ever Olympics hockey semi-finals for our girls. Filled with pride. Chak De India” also wrote former cricketer Virender Sehwag on Twitter.
“Chak de India happening in Tokyo!” wrote author Chetan Bhagat.
Also, boxer Manish Kaushik had all admiration for the team. “Go for Gold”
Also, some even shared clips from the 2007 film. Entire India is rejoicing with the win of the Indian Women Hockey Team. Also, Indians couldn’t be prouder of our girls.
It was indeed a Chak De India moment for the entire nation. Also, India’s best Olympic performance occurred in the 1980 Moscow Games. They placed in fourth out of six teams. Then, on Wednesday, the Rani Rampal-led team will face Argentina in the semifinal. India is also playing really fantastically in all the sports during the Olympics.