New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team scripted history on Monday by qualifying for the Olympic Games semifinals for the first time, beating three-time champions Australia by a solitary goal here.A day after the Indian men’s team entered the Olympic semifinals following a 49-year gap, the world number 9 women’s side also entered the history books with a phenomenally gritty performance.Coming into the match, the odds were against India as the world number 2 Australia, a mighty unbeaten opponent, awaited them in the last eight round.But the Indians, determined to prove a point, produced a strong and brave performance to eke out the narrow win over the Hockeyroos.Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur rose to the occasion when it mattered and converted India’s lone penalty corner in the 22nd minute to surprise the Australians.India’s best performance in the Olympics came way back in the 1980 Moscow Games where they finished fourth out of six teams.In that edition of the Games, women’s hockey made its debut in the Olympics and the sport was played in a round-robin format with top two teams qualifying for the final.The Rani Rampal-led side will play Argentina in the semifinal on Wednesday.Indians rejoiceThis was “a dream moment”, said the country’s sports fraternity in unison as it celebrated the resurgence of Indian hockey. The win triggered an outpouring of emotions as people from all walks of life, including former and current sportspersons and politicians, congratulated the team.Describing it as “a dream moment”, former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha said: “Impressed with the way the Indians defended post the goal. They didn’t just defend the lead, they almost attacked the lead. They were not afraid to go up and press the Australians.“The men’s game made us much more uncomfortable yesterday than the Australian women. Credit to the Indian women’s team.“One biggest improvement in the team is the sheer physical presence, the fitness, endurance levels. In today’s modern format unless the fitness level isn’t at the highest level it is hard to survive.”Congratulating the team, sports minister Anurag Thakur wrote on his twitter handle: “Splendid Performance!!! Women’s Hockey #TeamIndia is scripting history with every move at #Tokyo2020 ! We’re into the semi-finals of the Olympics for the 1st time beating Australia.”Wishes also came in former sports minister Kiren Rijiju. “India’s dream is coming to reality! Our Women’s Hockey Team has defeated Australia! India’s Men’s and Women’s teams have reached semi-finals at #Tokyo2020 Olympics! I have no words to express my excitement and happiness!,” he tweeted.Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who has been at the forefront in supporting the hockey teams through sponsorship as well, said glory awaits. “Congratulate Indian Women’s #Hockey Team on registering a thumping victory in the quarter-final against Australia at #Tokyo2020. May the team continue its winning streak & bring glory to the country. Wish the team all the best,” he said.Legendary former men’s hockey team captain Dhanraj Pillay said the team has shown its true potential. “This win against #Aus Showed what Indian women are capable of. A step away from getting a medal & a giant leap of faith.#hockey Applause to the entire team & the coaching staff.India is proud of you all & every Flag of India is celebrating this victory.Good luck for semis.Believe in Ur self,” he tweeted.India’s first ever individual silver at the Olympics, shooter Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, who was also the sports minister in the past, wrote: “Congratulations to the Flag of India Women’s Hockey Team for entering the #Olympic semi-finals. You’ve made India proud! Best wishes for the next match.”The country’s lone individual Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra too sent his best wishes. “Incredible Morning. So proud of our women’s hockey team. Nothing unites us the way sport does !!!,” he wrote.Rio bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik tweeted: “THESE GIRLS HAVE DONE IT! THEY HAVE DONE THE UNTHINKABLE! The #IND women’s #hockey team are into the SEMI-FINALS after beating #AUS 1-0.”Multiple-time world champion cueist Pankaj Advani also took to the social networking site to wish the Rani Rampal-led side. “Chak De India! Indian hockey has been been super impressive at the #OlympicGames Imagine if both men and women came back with Gold medals First place medalFirst place medal #Cheer4India,”India football team skipper Sunil Chhetri wrote: “If you thought Sunday was good then our women have just gone and made Monday exceptional with a performance for the ages! First semifinal appearance in an Olympic Games and that’s how you do it – with a big, solid fight. Had us glued throughout. #TeamIndia #Tokyo2020.”Former batsman VVS Laxman too congratulated the team. “Our girls have created history. Beaten #AUS in the quarter-final match of women’s #hockey by 1-0 to seal their spot in SEMI-FINAL for the first time ever! Best wishes for the semis. #Tokyo2020,” he tweeted.(With PTI inputs)