New Delhi, Indian hockey’s rich legacy is largely associated with the eight-time Olympic champion men’s team, but the women’s side has had a far more arduous journey, marked by inconsistent participation at the World Cup.
Key Factors
1981, Buenos Aires: Despite finishing fourth at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, India failed to qualify for the World Cup in Argentina. 2014, The Hague: India entered the 2013 Asian Cup in Kuala Lumpur with a World Cup qualification spot at stake. The Netherlands beat Australia 2-0 to win their seventh title, while Argentina finished third.
West Germany won the title, beating the Netherlands, while the Soviet Union finished third. However, they lost to South Korea in the semifinals and had to settle for third place after defeating China. Because of financial difficulties, inadequate institutional sponsorship and lack of funds with the Indian Women’s Hockey Association, 1976, Berlin: India were unable to participate in the second edition.
Financial and administrative problems affecting the national federation restricted the the team’s participation largely to regional and invitational events. Japan secured the berth through continental qualification route.
