Tokyo Olympics 2020: Indian women’s hockey team goes down fighting

 The Indian women’s hockey team played their hearts out before losing their bronze medal match to Great Britain played at the Oi Hockey Stadium, North Pitch on Friday.

Both teams started off cautiously before Great Britain put pressure on the Indian defense. Soon after, GB earned a penalty corner, but Savita Punia produced a superb save. GB continued their aggression as they awarded their 2^nd PC of the match as Savita Punia did another great job for the Indian team. Both teams went into the first quarter with a scoreline reading at 0-0.

The second quarter started off brilliantly for Great Britain as Rayers scored a field goal in the 16^th minute to give them 1-0 lead. GB continued their attacking approach earning another penalty corner but did not convert into a goal. India got their first chance as Lalschemi produced a reverse flick but a brilliant save by GB goalkeeper denied them a goal. After that chance, India earned their first penalty corner but did not trap the shot. Nisha was awarded a green card meaning the Indian team was with 10 players. GB used 10 player advantage as Robertson converted a field goal in the 24^th minute to put India under pressure taking a 2-0 lead.

Indian team put GB under pressure with back-to-back penalty corners. The second penalty corner was brilliantly converted by Gurjit Kaur in the 25^th minute to reduce one goal. In the very next minute, Gurjit Kaur produced another brilliant goal with a penalty corner helping the Indian team level the scores at 2-2. The Indian team looked changed producing lots of attacks and making life tough for GB. Vandana Katria put GB on the backfoot with a field goal in the 29^th minute as the umpire decided to review the decision but the goal stood to make it 3-2 in favor of India. At the end of the first half, India led 3-2.

The third quarter began off brilliantly as Great Britain earned a penalty corner, but Monika did a superb job in the defense. GB dominated the possession as Webb scored a brilliant field goal in the 35^th minute to level the scores at 3-3. Both teams made attacking moves, but goalkeepers produced a stunning display. At the end of the quarter, the scores level at 3-3.

In the initial phases of the fourth quarter, Udita was awarded a yellow card. GB took the advantage as they earned penalty corners but the Indian defense was up to the mark. Baldson scored with a forceful shot in the 48^th minute to give GB 4-3 lead. The Indian team stepped on aggression and earned a penalty corner but could not convert into a goal. Great Britain showed great composure in dying moments and registered a thrilling 4-3 win.

The Indian women’s team did the country proud as they finished 4^th. Great Britain looked like the much better team. Despite the lack of possession, Rani Rampal and Co would be proud of their performance in Tokyo.

Indian women's loses bronze medal match