With the men’s team claiming a Bronze in the Men’s Hockey Event, India’s first medal in this sport in 41 years, all eyes were set on the Indian Eves. However, the eves fell short of one goal while going down 4-3 to the ladies from Great Britain. At a point, GBR was leading the game 2-0, but the Indians pulled back to get a 3-2 lead. India fumbled, in the end, to concede two goals and eventually lost the game. The silver line to this grey cloud is that India will now move to 6th position in the Women’s Hockey Ranking!!
First Quarter: –
The first quarter was not much exciting!! 5th minute saw the British get a chance, however, the Indian defense stood strong! Savita Punia it was this time, who came to the rescue. The 10th minute witnessed the Brits win a dual PC but both went in vain. Savita Punia once again came into the picture in the 12th minute by making two consecutive pin-point saves. GBR was the dominant team in this half and should have got at least one strike into the Indian net.
Second Quarter: –
This quarter was a goal fiasco. The English took the lead in the 16th minute itself. It was a self-deflection from Deep Grace Ekka that went in! 1-0, Britain. The 19th minute saw Lalremsiami take a crisp shot but it was stopped by the Brit Goalie! Coming in next in the 22nd minute was a green card and India was down to 10 men. The 22nd minute added assault to injury as Mccalin and Robertson made a quick dual to score one more!! 2-0, Brits!! The 23rd minute saw the Indian fightback. Gurjit Kaur slammed a PC in the back of the British net. 2-1, India pulls back. 25th minute again brought positive vibes for the contingent as Gurjit rammed another bullet-like PC in the British net! 2-2, India equalizes!!!
This quarter ended with a bang. Sushila Chanu, India’s vice-captain made a quick run and cross from the left flank. It fell in front of Vandana who pounced on it to allow India to take the lead. 3-2, India!
Third Quarter: –
The 33rd minute saw GBR fight again as Hollie Pearne shot a lightning-fast PC in the Indian net. Savita made a mess of a straightforward shot. Nevertheless, the 38th and 41st minutes saw some action but apart from that this quarter was dry. GBR again was offensive and made several circle penetrations.
Fourth Quarter: –
Nisha was the hero of the moment with her, taking a drag flick on her chest in the 47th minute. But the 48th minute witnessed the Brits fire the final nail in the coffin! It was Grace Baldson this time and it was a PC again. Sharmila was green carded in the 56th minute. These were the Indians dying minutes. But GBR outplayed them. When the final hooter went off the scoreline read 4-3, GBR wins the bronze!! Despair for India.
