Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team disappoint again

 The Indian women’s hockey team disappointed again as they lost to defending Champions Great Britain in their third Group match played at Oi Hockey Stadium, Tokyo on Wednesday.

Great Britain got off to an ideal start as Anne Martin scored a brilliant field goal due to a shoddy display by the Indian defense in the 2^nd minute to give them a 1-0 lead. After the pressure by Great Britain, the Indian team got their first genuine chance but was averted by the Great Britain goalkeeper. Soon, the defending Champions earned penalty corners as Savita saved the corner. The Indian team put consistent pressure by grabbing two back-to-back penalty corners but did not convert. At the end of the first quarter, Great Britain led 1-0.

It was an ideal start for Great Britain in the 2^nd quarter as Anne Martin shot went through Savita’s legs in the 19^th minute to give them a 2-0 lead. The Great Britain team received a green card that the Indian team took advantage of. A superb deflection by Sharmila Devi by a penalty corner in the 23^rd minute allowed the Indian team to make a comeback into the game. After the goal, the Indian team upped their game earning another penalty corner but was not properly trapped. Despite the efforts by Rani Rampal and Co, Great Britain led 2-1 at half-time.

The third quarter started off badly for the Indian women’s team as they received a green card. After the green card, Indian strikers put pressure on Great Britain's defense earning 3 back-to-back penalty corners but could not do anything. Vandana Katria was sent out for 2 minutes halting Indian team progress. Great Britain dominated the possession and made life tough. 

Life for the Indian team went miserable as Salima was sent for 5 minutes. Great Britain was awarded a penalty corner and scored the goal. The Indian team decided to review the decision but McClain's goal in the 42^nd minute stood to give Great Britain a 3-1 lead. Great Britain continued their domination over the Indian team and ended the third quarter at 3-1.

It was another bad start for the Indian team in the 4^th quarter as Navjot Kaur was sent out for 5 minutes. Vandana Kataria was able to hit a shot but was well saved by the Great Britain goalkeeper. Great Britain showed their domination as they put consistent pressure on the Indian defense. Soon after, GB earned a penalty stroke via a penalty corner. Grace Bradson converted a penalty stroke in the 58^th minute to help GB earn a 4-1 lead.

The Indian team lacked discipline as they were awarded 2 yellow cards as compared to 1 for GB. It is a tough road for the women in blue as they need to win their remaining two matches against Ireland and South Africa.

Their major hurdle would be their goal difference. Before this match, they were -6. After conceding 4 goals in today’s match, the Indian team GD now became -9.

After 3 successive losses, they will play Ireland in a must win match on Friday.

 

Indian women's team lose their 3rd successive match in Group Stage of Olympics 2020