Women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers: India stay on road to Paris with convincing win over Italy

Ranchi: Indian players acknowledge fans after winning FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifiers Ranchi 2024 hockey match against Italy at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium, in Ranchi, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

The ball was still mid-flight when Salima Tete took off.

The forward, who has taken it upon herself to ensure India do not miss the Olympic bus, received a pass inside the ‘D’ on the right with seconds remaining in the third quarter. She looked up to see where the goalkeeper was and, from an acute angle, unleashed a ferocious hit. (Read more from Mihir Vasavda)