On paper, the Indian women’s hockey team has fared no better than their male counterparts, failing to make the semi-finals. But the real story is that the women’s team are on the verge of recording their best-ever finish at the World Cup since 1974.
The women’s team lost only to Olympic champions the Netherlands, while holding Olympic silver medallists China to a draw. They will take on Germany in the fifth-sixth place qualification match on Thursday.
But while their performance promises brighter days ahead, the players are worried because of the bleak future of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL). The players unanimously think that the HIL has played a big role in improving their game and so want it to continue.
However, the women’s HIL faces an uncertain future because of financial challenges.
India’s captain Salima Tete stressed the league’s role in widening the national
talent pool.
“We have many players from HIL in the Indian team. They get a chance to be
selected for the national camp, which is an important opportunity for them,”
Salima said.
“This is just the beginning for us and there is much more to achieve. For that, HIL is a must so that our talent pool is broadened and the girls get good exposure.”