India women's hockey team needs to add ruggedness to game after heartbreaking defeat in final

Sundeep Misra


Silver medalist India's team walks after losing to Japan during their gold medal match at the women's hockey match at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. Japan won gold. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Two hours before the women's hockey final between India and Japan on Friday, opposite the Grand Stand, yellow linoleum seats were gleaming in the bright stadium light. Half an hour before the final, 7.30pm, they were full, the tri-colour fluttering and there was a buzz among Indian fans that filled up 80 percent of the available seats. As the Indian women warmed-up, resounding cheers reverberated around the small stadium. This was by far the biggest Indian fan turn-out at the Asian Games. After the match, the Indian captain, Rani Rampal, said, "Amazing! Hamare match ke liye itne Indian fans."