After 41 years of wait, women finally reach quarterfinals
India’s players celebrate scoring against South Africa. PTI
Indian women's hockey team qualified for the Olympics quarterfinals after 41 years after they beat South Africa 4-3 and later defending champions Great Britain blanked Ireland 2-0 to ensure their passage into the knockout stage here today. India finished their Group A league proceedings in fourth place with six points, riding on back-to-back wins over Ireland and South Africa and will now face Pool B toppers Australia in the quarterfinals on Monday. Indian women team's best finish at the Olympics was in Moscow back in 1980 when they reached the semifinals but ended fourth.