China was on the brink of securing an Olympic gold medal, despite some suggesting the entire team should be disqualified due to prior misconduct.
China’s women’s hockey team faced off against the world’s elite and came tantalizingly close to clinching the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the final match against the Netherlands, the top-ranked team globally, China made an early impact by scoring within the first 6 minutes.
However, a late goal from the Netherlands’ Yibbi Jansen equalized the game, leading to a penalty shootout where China was defeated 3-1, earning them a silver medal.
Coach Alyson Annan expressed pride in the team’s performance and optimism for their future development.
She stated: “I think China is a force in sport, and has an amazing sporting culture. These athletes are incredible, they’re devoted and they work hard.
“Just giving them a bit of confidence makes them great, so I hope that out of this comes something more.”
Nevertheless, the semi-finals were marred by controversy when a brawl broke out during China’s match against Belgium.
The incident was so shocking that many spectators demanded China’s disqualification from the tournament.
Video footage shared on social media showed Chinese player Yunxia hitting the ball at Delphine-Dapne Marien from close range, causing the Belgian player to collapse in pain.
This occurred in the final seconds of a match tied at 1-1.
Belgian players, including Judith Vandermeiren, confronted Yunxia, with Vandermeiren pushing her away.
Vandermeiren received a yellow card and a 10-minute suspension but continued to defend her actions, captured on video saying: “I’m protecting my team-mate. You cannot do that.”
Commentators were equally critical of the Chinese player’s actions, with Eurosport commentator Charlie Brougham voicing his disapproval.
He said: “Well, that’s a little unnecessary from Fan. She just hammered the ball as the hooter sounded and hit one of the Belgian players.
“The whistle goes, and she just rifles it straight at the player.”
On Twitter, one user commented: “If it’s a yellow for a push fair enough. But how is it not a red for deliberately hitting another player after the final whistle? Straight as a roundabout.”
Another added: “Absolutely disgraceful from the Chinese hockey player and from the referee. Issuing a yellow card to the Belgian No.7 at all is mental, but issuing it first like this is shocking!”
A different user remarked: “The Chinese player took a look before hitting it. That was seriously foul play. It’s a red card.”