Tears on the Turf, Heartbreaking To Be So Near And Yet So Far, Indian Women’s Hockey Team loses Bronze as Great Britain wins The Play-Off 4-3

New Delhi: India’s dream of winning an Olympic medal in Women’s hockey has been shattered as Defending champion Great Britain defeated India 4-3 in a very close encounter in the Bronze medal playoff match of  Women’s hockey in Tokyo. it was a crushing experience to have victory snatched away in such a desperate manner, it's heartbreaking to be so near and yet so far.

 Indian team fought till the end, scored three goals in five minutes, but an early goal in the 4th quarter on a Penalty corner by Grace Baldson gave Great Britain the podium finish. Indian players were in tears on the turf, they could not believe that the battle is lost, Bronze medal was so close, but they failed to grab it, yet so much to be proud of for the spirited display of brilliant hockey in the Tokyo Olympics. Indian team already created history by first time reaching the Semi Final, which they lost to Argentina 1-2. 

Earlier in the Group match, India had lost to Great Britain 1-4,  but today they were totally different team. India came from behind, after conceding a 0-2 lead, equalized through two goals by drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur and then took the lead 3-2, with a field goal by Vandana Katariya in a span of just five minutes. It was an unbelievable performance. Indian team-leading 3-2 in the halftime. Gurjit Kaur (25', 26') and Vandana Katariya (29') were the scorers for India.

The first quarter went goalless. But the second quarter was different and extraordinary eventful as five goals were scored,  two by Great Britain and after that India scored three goals to take the lead of 3-2. Great Britain got the first goal in the first minute through a deflection off India’s Deep Grace Ekka’s stick and in the 8th minute, Sara Robertson scored with a brilliant backhand shot. Great Britain was leading 2-0 and from there Indian players started penetrating in the opposition’s circle, before that India wasted the first penalty corner on variation but when they got the second penalty corner Gurjit Kaur scored through a powerful drag flick. This goal has given new energy to the team and they got 3rd Penalty corner and again got 4th penalty corner and this time again Gurjit’s solid drag-flick surprised Great Britain goalkeeper and the scoreboard flashed 2-2.  Within few minutes India got the third goal and a lead of 3-2, Vandana Kataria scored this field goal.

Third-quarter started with India having lead of one goal but Soon Pearne-Webb scored the equalizer and match leveled at 3-3. This proved the only goal of this quarter. In the 4th quarter’s 3rd minute Grace Baldson gave the lead to Great Britain and in the end that goal on penalty corner proved a match-winner. Indians tried hard but did not get success.