Chak De, India! This is what we all were singing just before the final of Asia Cup Women’s Hockey was started between India and China. As expected, the excitement in the match was at its peak and India won by 5-4 in the shootout. The whole country immersed in the cheer of victory when the goalkeeper Savita Punia did a great save in the sudden death phase. Indian skipper Rani Rampal got her name recorded in golden words with her epic winning goal. With this win, Indian women’s Hockey Team also qualified for World Cup Hockey Championship.

All the hockey lovers had to wait for more than a decade to watch their favorite team kissing the Asia Cup yet again. Last time, women’s hockey team won the cup in the year 2004. Even in this era of women empowerment, Indian women’s hockey team is underrated- this is the harsh reality in our country. But the way this team united and showed their strength on the ground was enough to seal the criticizing words. The victory in Asia Cup is truly special and a big reason to celebrate for all of us. Coincidently, we had also grabbed the Asia Cup Trophy in Men’s tournament.

How women’s hockey team is gaining admiration by “Twitterati”

The entire nation rejoiced the victory of our team and the great personalities including PM Shri Narendra Modi, Sh. Arun Jaitley, Major Rajyavardhan Rathore, Geeta Phogat- the wrestling cyclone, Deepa Malik, Sakshi Malik, and many other celebrities from different fields passed their wishes to Hockey Team India through their tweets.

Is this achievement a ray of hope?

Right now we are celebrating our achievement in the National Game of India. But are we going to remember the winning goal of Rani Rampal as long as the winning six hit by MSD in the 2011 World Cup Final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai? If modestly answered, then none of us is going to remember Rani Rampal. The survival of our national game and the players who choose to embrace it is getting more and more challenging with the time.

Anyways, let’s celebrate the success now. This is not the right time to discuss how to save Hockey from being extinct.

Well done, Indian Hockey team! You all are superstars. Sharda University wishes all the best for your future endeavors.