Sushila Chanu and the state of Manipur have been at the centre of women’s hockey in India for some time. Chanu was announced as Captain for the Rio Olympics ahead of Ritu Rani, who had been leading the squad in the recent past. Many might question the experience of the Manipuri youngster, at 24 years-old.

Sushila Chanu led the Indian national team during the absence of Ritu Rani from the squad. She also led the junior women’s team in 2013 to a bronze medal finish in Germany at the World Cup. Chanu was the obvious choice for Hockey India to lead the team into Rio Olympics due to the poor form of Ritu Rani. She will be assisted by her colleague in the back line Deepika.

Qualification

The Indian women’s hockey team had a topsy-turvy route to the qualification. But they finally made it. Indian eves have qualified for the Olympics for the first time since the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. The eves finished fifth in the Hockey World League and had to wait for the confirmation for their participation in the Olympic Games. It spot was finally secured by the Indian team when England beat Spain in the semi final of the EuroHockey Championships in London last year. As both England and Netherlands (the other finalist) had already qualified through the Hockey World League semi-finals.

Earning the spotlight

Sushila Chanu has not been one for the shutterbugs until she demonstrated her leadership qualities that helped the junior women’s team secure the bronze medal at the World Cup in 2013. Soon after, she became a regular member in the squad and has recently completed a hundred appearances in the tri-colour.

Route to Rio

The women’s hockey team have not received their fair share of appreciation so far. They defeated a strong Polish side to strengthen their position to qualify for the Olympics but had to remain dependent on other team’s performances for assuring the spot. The team has come a long way from its roots and has developed the mentality of a winning side.

However, the team still has loads of loopholes to fix. Some of which were exploited by their oppositions rather comfortably.

Their performances also took a nose dive since their qualification for the Rio Olympics. They have been to Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and England for tournaments. They managed to win only a handful of matches there. The teams recent visit to England was a rather demoralising one, five consecutive defeats including a 7-0 thumping.

Medal Quest

Looking at the recent performances any hopes for a medal for the Indian women’s hockey team look depressing. But it is in these times that the captain can play a crucial part in up-building the team and prove what these individuals are capable of. The end of a three decade wait to return to the Olympics is a cause for celebration.