Tokyo : The Indian Women’s Hockey Team lost 3-4 after putting up a valiant effort against Rio Olympics Gold Medallists Great Britain in the Bronze Medal match here at the Oi Hockey Stadium on Friday.
The Great Britain side controlled most of the proceedings in the opening minutes of the match and took a 2-0 lead by the 24th minute.
However, Gurjit Kaur (25′, 26′) and Vandana Katariya (29′) struck three goals in quick succession to help India take the lead at 3-2 just before the half-time whistle. Great Britain regained the momentum in the second half and scored a goal in each of the third and fourth quarters to seal a Bronze Medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Great Britain made an aggressive start in the opening minutes of the first quarter and earned a Penalty Corner in the second minute of the match, however, their shot at goal was brilliantly saved by Indian Goalkeeper Savita. Navneet Kaur made a brilliant run on the right flank in the 6th minute of the match and passed the ball to Rani, however, the latter couldn’t find a way to tap the ball into the goal.
Great Britain got dangerously close to the Indian goal in the 8th minute, however, the Indian defence stood tall and ensured that the ball is kept away from the goal. The Great Britain team continued to put pressure on the Indians and earned a Penalty Corner in the 10th minute, however, they couldn’t carry out the drag-flick as they failed to trap the ball. Great Britain took two shots in the final minutes of the first quarter, however, Savita carried out two brilliant saves and ensured that the deadlock was not broken.
