Deepika of India tries to beat the Germany defender during the FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifiers match between India and Germany, at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, on January 18, 2024. The Indians gave it their all but couldn’t get past the Germans. | Photo Credit: PTI
India captain Savita stood teary-eyed in the middle of the field with fellow goalkeeper Bichu Devi as Germany booked a spot in the final of the Olympic Qualifiers and a ticket to Paris with a 4-3 win in sudden-death after being tied 2-2 in regulation time in the semifinals on Thursday.
Starting as the underdog against a team that has made it to every Olympics since its debut in 1984 and everything, including track record and rankings against it, India put up a gallant fight before going down.
