Ritu Rani: Recognition by Hockey India will motivate us

Having qualified for the 2016 Olympics after a wait of 36 years since the 1980 Moscow Games when women’s hockey was introduced, the Indian team and support staff will be felicitated.

"A good performance in the Olympics will help to take women’s hockey in India a long way ahead. This recognition by HI will further motivate us to put up a good show.”

Having qualified for the 2016 Olympics after a wait of 36 years since the 1980 Moscow Games when women’s hockey was introduced, the Indian team and support staff will be felicitated.

In recognition of this achievement, Hockey India (HI) will give a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh each to team members and support staff at the HI awards to held here on March 26.

“It’s a very big achievement for women’s hockey in India. Till now, the gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester was the most celebrated moment for women’s hockey, but by qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics, we have managed to push the bar higher,” said India skipper Ritu Rani.

“A good performance in the Olympics will help to take women’s hockey in India a long way ahead. This recognition by HI will further motivate us to put up a good show.”