The Indian women’s hockey team’s bronze medal match loss against defending champion Great Britain (4-3), played on Friday at the Tokyo Olympics, was a devastating defeat.
In the early going, it was a cautious affair, but Great Britain, who had beaten India 4-1 in the pool round, looked like the more dangerous side.
In the ninth minute, Lily Owsley made a dazzling run down the right side and won a penalty corner off of Navjot Kaur.
In the eleventh minute, Ellie Rayer and Sarah Jones both had close-range shots on goal, but Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia made the saves.
As exciting as the first quarter was, the second quarter was a whole different story, with five goals being scored.
In the 16th minute, Britain took the lead when Rayer raced down the right wing and beat Nisha Warsi with some great 3D hockey.
A ball sent by Rayer into the circle was deflected into the net by Deep Grace Ekka of India.
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India Vs Great Britain: IND Women’s Hockey Team Loses 3-4 In Bronze Medal Match At Tokyo Olympics – Highlights
The Indian women’s hockey team, who reached the Olympic semi-finals for the first time ever. Lost the bronze medal game against the defending Olympic champions, Great Britain, in a nail-biter on Friday.
The Indian team fell behind early but rallied to win by a score of 3-2. Great Britain, though, responded with two goals of their own.
A disappointing fifth place for India. Blessings on India, it seems. However, their efforts fall flat. At the same time, Britain keeps penetrating new circles.
Savita Punia manages to save a life in the nick of time. The Indian counterattack then resulted in a long corner and prompted the umpire to initiate a PC check on the ensuing play.
One of the Great Britain players takes a direct knock to the foot at the second goalpost. No, Gurjit Kaur isn’t out there playing. India’s careless PC use.
Tokyo 2020 Highlights: Valiant India Lose Bronze Medal Match to Rio Olympics Gold Medalist Great Britain
The women’s hockey bronze medal match between India and Great Britain ended in a loss for India, 3-4. Even though goalkeeper Savita was the star of the first quarter (stopping two penalty corners and three field goal tries), second quarter dragflicker Gurjit Kaur stole the show.
British scored twice in quick succession to open the second quarter, but India was able to draw even thanks to Gurjit’s assist.
The Indians extended their lead with a third goal from Vandana Katariya. After each team scored once in the first two quarters, Hollie Pearne-Webb scored in the third to make it a tie game.
It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Grace Balsdon scored, and it came off a penalty corner. Watch the women’s hockey bronze medal match between India and Great Britain.
Conclusion
The Indian women’s hockey team put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost the bronze medal playoff game against Great Britain, 3-4. World No. 4.
Great Britain, who won gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, prevailed in a thrilling match to deny the underdogs of the United States of America their first Olympic medal.
The Indian women’s team came back from a 0-2 deficit to cut the deficit to 3-2 by halftime. Hollie Pearne-Webb, captain for Great Britain, scored the equaliser in the third quarter.
In the last quarter, Great Britain took the lead thanks to Grace Balsdon, and they held on to win bronze at the Olympics in Tokyo.
