Tribune Information Service
Chandigarh, August 4
Praying with folded fingers, Takdeer Singh Malik, the daddy of Indian girls’s hockey group defender Monika, had by no means been so tense in his life.
His fear, nevertheless, was real as feelings ran excessive in the course of the semifinal conflict between India and Argentina on the Tokyo Olympics right this moment.
In some excellent news for the town, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, a DAV School, Sector 10, alumnus, began his marketing campaign on the Olympics on a constructive word. Chopra certified for the finals with an 86.65m throw in his first try. The ultimate is scheduled to be held on August 7.
Sitting in a nook of his home, Malik prayed for the Indian group’s success. Although his prayers didn’t bear the specified fruit, Indian women managed to win the hearts as they went down preventing towards their a lot fancied rivals.
The two-1 loss to Argentina is certainly not an finish of the street for Indian eves as they will nonetheless end on the rostrum with a win over the Nice Britain within the bronze-medal playoff on August 6.
“They gained hearts with their stellar efficiency. Sure, I’m disheartened, however let’s look ahead to some extra time. Hopefully, they’ll bag a bronze medal. They performed effectively right this moment. Our women will bounce again for positive,” stated Takdeer, who works as an ASI within the Chandigarh Police.
Earlier, the Indian girls’s hockey group etched historical past after they beat world No. 2 Australia within the quarterfinals to enter the Olympic semifinals for the primary time.
“The ladies’s group performed very well. They defended effectively, however did not convert their probabilities. In the event that they proceed to carry out like this, they’ll give a tricky combat to the Nice Britain. Fingers crossed, let’s see how the match pans out,” hockey coach Gurminder Singh stated whereas describing India’s efficiency towards Argentina.
Monika, who’s taking part in in her second Olympics, skilled on the Chandigarh Hockey Academy throughout her early life.
“The Indian group fought exhausting within the last quarter, however Argentina’s expertise helped them hold the hazard away as they efficiently defended their lead. I simply want Indian group overcome the Nice Britain and seize their first ever bronze medal,” added Poonam, a hockey participant.
