Indian Hockey Teams Reach the Finals of Hockey 5s Youth Olympics

Olympics have always been the highest target for any sportsman to achieve. Lately the hard work and dedication of Indian men and women hockey teams paid off when they entered into the finals of hockey 5s competition in the Youth Olympics. The men’s team defeated Argentina by 3-1 in the semi final match that was held on October 13, 2018. The women’s team reached the finals by defeating China by 3-0. The men’s team shall face Malaysia in the final and the women’s team shall fight against Argentina. Indian hockey team was not a part of the Youth Olympics till date.

This is the very first time when the Indian hockey team is being a part of this event and has done immensely great in the first go itself. The performance of the team is worth appreciation. Hockey 5s is slightly different from usual hockey. The earliest origins of the game date back to the Middle Ages in England, Scotland, France and the Netherlands. Hockey 5-s is a five- a – side version of the game of hockey that is played on a smaller pitch than usual. A total of 11 players are a part of the game. This was introduced in 2014 Singapore Youth Olympics. The players who performed outstandingly in the men’s semifinals are Sudeep Chirmako and Rahul Kumar Rajbhar. On the other hand, Captain Facundo Zarate found the target for Argentina. It was Rahul Kumar who brought the lead for India. The last six minutes of the first period were very crucial during the match. Both the teams had enough chances to take the lead but not much was done from either end. The goalkeepers made some fine saves and balanced the score at 1-1 till half time. India took lead through Sudeep Chirmako during the second period by building pressure on the opposite team. When Sudeep Chirmako scored his second goal it proved to be greatly beneficial for the Indian team. In the last minutes, Argentina tried its best to make a comeback in the game but all in vain. On the other hand, in the women’s semi finals, the credit of India’s win goes to Mumtaz khan, Reet and Lalremsiami. The team left no scope for the opponent to take and lead by maintaining immense pressure on them. Mumtaz khan was quick enough to score a goal within the first 52 seconds. China tried its best to take the lead in the last few minutes of the game but the Indian team was all set to face them and outplay them. Not just the first period but India dominated the second period of the game as well.  Indeed both the teams played beautifully. We wish them the best of luck for the finals.

By: Anuja Arora

Content: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/hockey/top-stories/indian-men-and-women-teams-enter-hockey-5s-final-of-youth-olympics/articleshow/66201405.cms