Lalremsiami
It was my 200th match, it was the final, and we knew that if we won, we would make history after 44 years and qualify for the LA Olympics,” she said.
“I know he would be proud of me and is watching me from heaven,” the forward told TOI, reflecting on a campaign that saw her score seven goals, including the lone strike in the final against China, as India ended a 44-year wait for Asian Games gold and sealed qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. “I was extremely nervous. Once the game started, I was able to play freely. To score the goal and help my team and my country win the gold medal was simply amazing. It is a moment I will never forget.”
“I prayed before the match and asked God to help me.
The 26-year-old was also part of the Indian side that registered the country’s best Women’s World Cup finish in 52 years.
It is about the whole team working together,” she said. We know it will be very challenging, but we are ready for it,” she said. Lalremsiami also credited the team’s unity, coach Sjoerd Marijne and the support staff for a remarkable run this year that included World Cup qualification, Nations Cup success, a fifth-place finish at the World Cup and Asian Games gold. “We have gone through a lot of struggles over the years. Our unity within the group has been one of our biggest strengths. Success is not just about the players on the field. But the focus has already shifted to the Los Angeles Olympics, now less than two years away, and the forward believes India must continue to improve despite becoming Asian champions. “We have one dream now. We want to do well at the World Cup and win an Olympic medal.