The Indian women hockey team received a major setback in a crucial Olympic qualifier match played at Russia on Sunday, 20 April 2008. The Indian women hockey team lost to Netherlands Antilles 1-2. India had started off well with gaining victory in its very first match against Russia with a score of 3-1. The losing of match is a significant jolt to the Indian team as the winning team at Kazan will be qualified to play at the Beijing Olympics.

Indian women’s hockey team enjoys a higher rank (13) than the winning Netherlands Antilles (20). The shocking defeat has however put a question mark whether India will be able to make it to the Beijing Olympics Games. The Indian Women Hockey team was the only hope as the men’s team is already not qualified to play in the Beijing Olympics. It is for the first time in 80 years that the men’s team has not made it to the Olympics.

 

Netherlands Antilles had taken a 1-0 lead in the first half with the efforts of their striker Claire Visser. It was 13 year-old Rani Devi of Shahbad Markanda who helped India to restore parity midway in the second half. However, soon after a goal in the 54th minute by Maria Hinskens proved decisive for bringing the match to conclusion. India will now take on Belgium in the next match to be played on Tuesday at Kazan, Russia.