Led by Savita Punia, India women lost to Germany in the semifinals of the FIH Olympic Qualifiers in Ranchi.
Ranchi: Two-time World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni was seen in attendance during India women’s semifinal against Germany in the FIH Olympic Qualifiers on Thursday at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. In a video shared by Hockey India, Dhoni was honoured at the stadium with a photo frame.
Look who is here 👀 to cheer our girls in the semis of #FIHOlympicsQualifier, Ranchi 2024 against Germany.#IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #EnRouteToParis @CMO_Odisha @FIH_Hockey @IndiaSports @sports_odisha @Media_SAI @HemantSorenJMM pic.twitter.com/R1npcm5G5l
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 18, 2024
However, the Indian team lost to Germany via penalty shootout 3-4 after the regulation time ended in 2-2. India took a 2-1 lead in shootout, but missed several opportunities to lose out. Germany took advantage of that and took 3-2. India restored parity through Lalremsiami. Lisa Nolte scored the winner for Germany.
But India will get another chance for a shot at Paris Olympics qualification. The Savita Punia-led side will face Japan in a bronze medal play-off. Whoever wins, will qualify for the Paris Olympics. The top three sides from this tournament will qualify for the Paris Games. World no.5 Germany will take on the USA in the final of this event on Friday.
Meanwhile, Deepika (15th minute) and Ishika Chaudhary (59th) were the goal-scorers for India in the regular time, while Germany’s both goals were scored by Charlotte Stapenhorst (27th, 57th). Dhoni, meanwhile, will be featuring for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. The five-time IPL-winning captain is likely to play his final IPL this year.
Few days back, Dhoni was seen playing lawn tennis in Ranchi.