The Indian Women’s Hockey Team, led by Rani Rampal, played their hearts out against Great Britain at the Oi Hockey Stadium, but, the Indian eves couldn't get past the mighty World Number 4, going down 3-4 in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 bronze-medal match on Friday, 06 August 2021. We all saw a valiant effort from India, but Great Britain, who have won medals at three successive Olympics, hold on for the bronze medal.
In the first quarter, Great Britain had started off on a great note in the opening minutes, but just a few minutes into the game, things got pretty even now. India showcased some attacking moves and started to look threatening, but Great Britain's defence coped up well with the Indian attack.
Inside just two minutes into the game, Great Britain had managed to get their first penalty corner but a well-targeted penalty corner drag-flick from star player Giselle Ansley's was beautifully tipped over the bar by Indian goalie Savita Punia.
Great Britain looked desperate for an early goal and started to build pressure on Indian eves with an attacking game. They almost succeeded in getting the early breakthrough but Indian goalie Savita Punia yet again showcased excellent goalkeeping skills and denied shots from Ellie Rayer and Sarah Jones in quick succession and with this the first quarter came to an end.
In the second quarter, Great Britain took the lead, courtesy a super goal from Elena Sian Rayer, who's attempted cross was put into the goal by India's Deep Grace Ekka.
Few minutes later, India got a scoring opportunity with a penalty corner, but a fine stick save from Britain's goalie Lalremsiami saw nothing come from it. Great Britain looked unstoppable after Sarah Robertson smashed a diving backhand strike to give her team a two goal advantage. India scripted a great comeback as an excellent penalty corner drag-flick from star striker Gurjit Kaur pulled the Indian team level.
Quarter 2 started at 0-0, but finished at 2-3. After Britain took a massive 2-0 lead through Rayer and Robertson, Vandana Katariya's sensational goal after Gurjit Kaur's back-to-back goals for India, turned the match on its head.
Great Britain made a strong start to the third quarter. In quick succession, India won two penalty corners but Great Britain's defence held firm and just a few minutes into the 3rd quarter a captain's goal from defender Hollie Pearne-Webb helped Great Britain pull level 3-3. At the end of third quarter, scores were levelled.
In the final and fourth quarter, with just last 15 crucial minutes left to decide the fate of the game, Grace Balsdon converted a penalty corner into a super goal, courtesy a drag-flick through the legs of goalie Savita, and with this Great Britain were 4-3 up.
India battled hard for the equaliser in the final few minuted but Britain managed to keep them at bay and secure the bronze medal!