The Indian women’s hockey team‘s fairytale run at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics came to a halt after they failed to register a victory against Great Britain in the bronze medal playoff, on Friday. The women’s team, who reached the Summer Games semis for the first time were eyeing big glory at the Games.

However, they lost to Argentina in the semi-final and were cast to a bronze medal playoff against the world no 4. Eyeing its first Olympic medal, the Indian eves narrowly missed out on an Olympic bronze in a seven-goal thriller.

Following their exploits at the Summer Games, women’s team coach Sjoerd Marijne had a message for his team and for the entire nation, who rallied behind them. 

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“We did not win a medal, but I think we have won something bigger. We have made Indians proud again and we inspired millions of girls that dreams CAN come true as long as you work hard for it and believe it! Thanks for all the support!” the coach tweeted.

Marijne, a former Dutch hockey player, was showered with credits and earned major plaudits from the fans and players alike after taking the 18-member team to a historic semi-final.

An image of a crying Marijne at the sidelines after India reached the semis, showed how much it meant for him and for the team. Years of hard work and resilience paid off.

He topped that off with another Twitter upload where he apologised to his family for not coming home early.

Ahead of the Argentina clash, the coach felt the achievements of the Indian players at the Summer Games will change the face of women’s hockey in the country.

“I think a lot because now women’s hockey is also taken seriously.

“It’s going crazy. They’re so proud of the girls and the whole nation is behind the girls whatever happens now. I don’t think you can create something more beautiful than that,” Marijne said.