Tokyo Olympics: Indian Women’s Hockey Team Enter Quarter-Finals After 41 Years

Vandana Kataria scored a hat-trick in India’s win in the clash against South Africa, while Neha Goyal was the other goal getter for the Indians.

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Tokyo: Indian women’s hockey team on Saturday qualified for the Olympic quarter-finals after 41 years as the side beat South Africa 4-3.

Vandana Kataria scored a hat-trick in India’s win in the clash against South Africa, while Neha Goyal was the other goal getter for the Indians.

South African skipper Erin Hunter, Marizen Marais and Tarryn Glasby scored the goals for their side.

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Great Britain blanked Ireland 2-0 later to ensure its passage into the knockout stage.

With this win, India finished their Group A league proceedings in the fourth place with six points following consecutive victories over Ireland and South Africa.

India will now lock horns with pool B toppers Australia in the quarter-final on Monday.

The top four teams from each pool made it to the knockout stage.

The last time Indian women’s team’s best finish at the Olympics was in Moscow in 1980 when they reached the semi-finals.

The side, however, then ended in the fourth place.

“Today's game was really tough. South Africa gave us a really good fight. They converted their chances in the circle. Defensively, we can be a lot better,” PTI quoted Indian skipper Rani as saying.