India at Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team go down fighting 3-4 to Great Britain in bronze medal match

Xtra Time Web Desk: A brace from drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur and a goal from Vandana Katariya weren’t enough as Indian women’s hockey team go down fighting 3-4 to Great Britain in an edge-of-the-seat bronze medal match at Oi Hockey Stadium in Tokyo Olympics on Friday.

It was an inspirational display by Rani Rampal and her girls against Rio Olympics gold medalist Great Britain and each and every member of the Indian women’s hockey team should be proud of their show at Tokyo Olympics. They created history by becoming the first ever women’s team to reach the semi finals but lost to world No 2 Argentina.

The first quarter went goalless even though Great Britain had the dominance. The second quarter saw five goals being scored. Great Britain took the lead in the 16” through Elena Rayer. They extended the lead in the 24” as Sarah Robertson scored from a Mcaulin cross inside the circle. Just when it looked Great Britain will make it a easy match just like the way they did in the group match when they defeated India by 4-1 margin, India staged a comeback. Gurjeet Kaur scored from the penalty corner to reduce the margin in the 25”. Salima Tete’s fantastic run inside the circle from the left-hand flank, allowed India to hit Laura’s foot, and get another short corner. Gurjit was again on target for India as the scores were leveled in the 25” of the match. Much to the joy of the Indian dug out, Vandana Katariya gave India the lead in 29”. Sushila Chanu crossed inside the circle, Navneet attempted to put it in, but she missed, which allowed Vandana Katariya to put it inside from the near post. Umpire Referral has been called.

The third quarter saw Great Britain pushing for the equalizer which they eventually did through Pearne-Webb in 35”. Both teams went into the final quarter with the scores level at 3-3.  

The fourth quarter started on a disappointing note for India as they were reduced to 10 women. Udita was flashed a yellow card. Taking the advantage Great Britain kept on piling pressure at the Indian goal resulting in three penalty corners. Grace Balsdon scored from the PC to give her side the all important lead in 45”. India did try  hard to score but was not successful.

The Indian women’s hockey team coached by Sjoerd Marijne came up with a courageous display to run the Rio Olympic champions close but they were not able to go past the finish line. But the likes of Rani Rampal, Savita Punia, Vandana Katariya have already surpassed all expectations by reaching the semi fnals and will feel proud.

The men’s team rewrote history on Thursday as it claimed an Olympic medal after 41 years, defeating Germany 5-4 to win the bronze in an edge-of-the-seat play-off match.

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By: XtraTime
Title: India at Tokyo Olympics: Indian women’s hockey team go down fighting 3-4 to Great Britain in bronze medal match
Sourced From: xtratime.in/india-at-tokyo-olympics-indian-womens-hockey-team-go-down-fighting-3-4-to-great-britain-in-bronze-medal-match/
Published Date: Fri, 06 Aug 2021 04:13:04 +0000

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