We got the result for our hard work, says India match-winner Gurjit Kaur

The Indian women's hockey team beat Australia 1-0 to advance to the semi-final

Earlier on Monday, the Indian women's hockey team beat their Australian counterparts by a solitary goal to storm into the semi-final at the Tokyo Olympics. Gurjit Kaur scored India's winning goal by converting a penalty corner.

Kaur's goal came in the 22nd minute, after which India defended hard in a bid to maintain the lead. Their efforts bore fruit, despite Australia registering a total of 14 shots. The 25-year-old's match-winning penalty corner was also India's only penalty corner in the quarterfinal match.

After the game, an overjoyed Kaur spoke to the official broadcaster Sony Pictures Network. She seemed at a loss for words, more because of her happiness than anything else.

Post-match reaction

"We (the Indian team) are very, very happy. We have been working very hard every day, both individually and as a team. And today, we got a good result to show for it," she said.

"The team lives together in camps and work every day for days like this. Today, we won and in the process, I also scored a goal. Hence, I am very happy."

The support of fans

The Indian women's hockey team have made only three appearances so far in the Olympic Games - in 1980, in 2016 and at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics. This is the first time that they have reached the semi-finals of the competition. When asked about the significance of this achievement, Gurjit Kaur said, "Yes, this is the first time that the Indian women's team are qualifying for the last four. Wishes have been pouring in from everywhere since the news broke."

"Thanks so much for all the support, we will now be preparing for the coming games," she further added.

Also the team's designated drag-flicker, Kaur did not forget to speak about where she gets her support from. "The whole of India have been backing us. For our country, it's always very special when achievements are made in any sport.

"Everyone has been supporting us. I would like to say thanks to our support staff, our coaches and hockey fans in our country. Their prayers have been with us," she concluded.

This is the first time that both Indian men's and women's hockey teams have made it to the semi-finals at the same Olympics.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.