Women’s hockey team loses 3-4 to Britain in play-off

The India women’s hockey team’s wait for an Olympic medal continues as the Rani Rampal-led side went down 3-4 to Great Britain in the Tokyo Games bronze play-off.

India, coached by Dutch tactician Sjoerd Marijne, was at its menacing best in the second quarter – scoring three goals – but even that effort wasn’t enough to end up on the winning side. Gurjit Kaur (25th minute and 26th) and Vandana Katariya (29th) were on the scoresheet in what eventually turned out to be a disappointing match for India.

Ellie Rayer (16th), Sarah Robertson (24th), Hollie Pearne-Webb (35th) and Grace Balsdon (48th) got one goal each for Britain, which took the third and final spot on the podium.

In hot and humid conditions at the Oi Hockey Stadium in Tokyo, both teams took a little bit of time to settle into their rhythm. Britain was the better of the two sides initially, testing the Indian defence with a close-range effort from Ellie. But, India goalkeeper Savita Punia positioned herself well to avert the danger.

Despite earning a couple of penalty corners, Britain could not break the deadlock in the first quarter. However, it did manage to open its tally seconds into the second quarter. After a good move on the right flank, Britain sounded the board through Ellie, who was credited the goal although the ball went in off an Indian defender.

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