Captain Rani Rampal asked fans to give their full support to the Indian women's hockey team ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Ireland on Thursday.
Hockey India, on Wednesday, uploaded a video on its official Twitter account. In the video, Rampal is seen thanking fans and asking them to keep supporting the team.
“Women’s Hockey team has reached the World Cup Quarterfinals with the support of all the fans. We will face Ireland in the quarters on Thursday at 10:30 PM IST. So, please all of you watch the match and support us.”
She said that the players will give their all on the field to make it into the semifinals.
“We need your support and blessings. On the ground, each player will give their 100 percent, but you guys please give us your 100 percent support outside the ground,” she said.
“We all will make you feel proud in tomorrow’s game. Keep supporting India. Jai Hind,” the forward added.
India last played in a quarter-final encounter 40 years ago in the 1978 Madrid Women's World Cup. The semi-final appearance in the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 1974 remains India's best performance in the history of the prestigious event.
Beating Ireland, who are high on confidence after topping Pool B with a 3-1 win against USA and a 1-0 win over India, would be a tough task especially if they start well and put pressure on India's structure.
