MS Dhoni, the former Indian captain, came out to cheer for the Indian women's hockey team as he was present to witness their semi-final match against Germany on Thursday, January 19.
Hockey India posted a special video for Dhoni on social media to welcome the legendary cricketer at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.
A photo of Dhoni being honored at the stadium during the game went viral on social media.
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Look who is here 👀 to cheer our girls in the semis of #FIHOlympicsQualifier, Ranchi 2024 against Germany.#IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #EnRouteToParis @CMO_Odisha @FIH_Hockey @IndiaSports @sports_odisha @Media_SAI @HemantSorenJMM pic.twitter.com/R1npcm5G5l
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 18, 2024
Talking about the match, India suffered a 3-4 defeat against Germany in the penalty shootout 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.
India were 2-1 ahead in the shootout but ended up missing multiple opportunities and allowing the Germans to equalise and take the 3-2 lead before Lalremsiami restored parity to 3-3.
Lisa Nolte's no-look nutmeg on Indian goalkeeper and captain Savita secured Germany's Paris Olympic quota.
India were no short of support as the atmosphere in the crowd was electric with the presence of MS Dhoni in the stands only adding to their motivation.
However, they could not secure their spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics on this occasion despite putting 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.
Talking about Dhoni, the CSK skipper is gearing up for the upcoming IPL 2024 season as he was recently seen preparing in the nets amid recovery from a knee issue.
Dhoni has continuously been in the headlines as he was also recently seen attending the wedding ceremony of Rishabh Pant's sister.
The 42-year-old is all set to take part in the IPL 2024 with Chennai Super Kings and the season is expected to be his last before he announces his retirement.
When asked about his retirement after leading the side to a fifth IPL title last year, Dhoni was keen to get back to the field for one more year just as a thankful gesture to all the fans.
Dhoni, along with other prominent cricketing figures like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, has been invited to Rami Mandir's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22.