MS Dhoni cheers for India women's hockey team during Olympic qualifiers in Ranchi

Indian legend MS Dhoni cheered for the Indian women's hockey team in the FIH Women's Olympic Qualifiers' semifinal match against Germany on Thursday at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. A photo of Dhoni being honoured at the stadium during the game went viral on social media.

Notably, India suffered a 3-4 penalty shootout loss to Germany in the FIH Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers. India and Germany were tied 2-2 at full-time, prompting a penalty shootout and subsequent sudden death.

After taking a 2-1 lead in the shootout, India missed several opportunities to win the game; however, the Germans were able to equalise and take a 3-2 lead, resulting in sudden death after Lalremsiami restored parity to 3-3. Lisa Nolte's no-look nutmeg on Indian goalkeeper and captain Savita



secured Germany's Paris Olympic quota.

Despite the electrifying atmosphere and the presence of cricket legend MS Dhoni in the stands, the Indian team could not secure their spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics on this occasion. India put up a valiant fight against its more fancied opponent, but now will face Japan in yet another must-win game for third place and the final remaining Olympic spot here, after the USA won 2-1 in the other semifinal.

The Indian women's team's hopes of claiming a berth for the upcoming Olympic Games are still alive. The support from the crowd, including the esteemed MS Dhoni, was a testament to the growing popularity and support for women's hockey in India. Despite the loss, the Indian team's determination and fighting spirit were on full display, promising a compelling match against Japan.