Missing a semi-final berth with just one-goal difference has put Indian women's hockey team into a bit of trouble with Indian contingent Chef de Mission, Bhubneswar Kalita. On Sunday he summoned the team manager and coach to explain the miscalculation blunder against South Africa. The goof-up has cost the home side a semi-final spot.
After India beat South Africa 3-1 on Friday evening, coach Sandeep Somesh and captain Surinder Kaur said team manager Rupa Sahni told them they needed to win by a seven-goal margin to qualify. India, however, needed to win by a four-goal margin.
“We have to see what had happened. I will find that out and get back to you,” Kalita said when asked about the shocking incident.
Asked about the morale of the players, he said, “They are upbeat and looking to improve their performance."
Kalita was also not forthcoming on another issue — that of reported abuse of Indian archery team coach Limba Ram by an English team official. “Limba has not told about this (the incident). Maybe since he is a nice person he does not want to take up the matter. I will speak to him and take action if anything like that had happened,” Kalita added.
He also said that he was not aware of any Indian official saying, following Ashish Kumar winning a silver and bronze, that the country could have done better.
{{/usCountry}}He also said that he was not aware of any Indian official saying, following Ashish Kumar winning a silver and bronze, that the country could have done better.
{{/usCountry}}Kalita said that with more gold medals expected to come from some disciplines, including boxing, India is on target to finish second in the overall tally.
“We are doing very well, especially in shooting, wrestling and weightlifting,” he said.