Tokyo Olympics 2020: Indian women's hockey team lost 1-4 to Great Britain

Indian women’s hockey team lost 1-4 against Great Britain in their third Pool A match of Tokyo Olympics 2020 at Oi stadium. Hannah Martin scored a brace in the first half before Sharmila Devi pulled one back for India in the 23rd minute. However Lily Owsley scored Great Britain’s third goal in the third quarter before Grace Balsdon completed the drubbing courtesy of a penalty stroke. (Tokyo 2020 full coverage)

Great Britain scored the opening goal of the match within 2 minutes. It was a terrible start from India as they looked rusty from the word go and the defending champions capitalised on it. Shonan McCallin’s shot from the edge of the ‘D’ took a deflection from an Indian defender before Hannah Martin scored from close range. India was really struggling in the first quarter and Britain was clearly dominating. Britain wins a penalty corner but the Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia makes the save to deny them a second goal. Meanwhile at the other end India earned two back-to-back penalty corners towards the end of the first quarter. Yet they couldn’t capitalise on it.

Four minutes into the second quarter Hannah Martin scored again to extend Great Britain’s lead. Sarah Jones’ initial shot was saved by Savita but Martin scored from the rebound. Although Great Britain was dominating the possessional, attacking and passing stats India pulled one back in the second quarter. It was a variation from the penalty corner that led to the goal. Gurjit Kaur’s drag flick was slotted in by Sharmila Devi from close range. The 19-year-old forward stuck out the stick with her left hand to score past British goalkeeper Maddie Hinch.

Meanwhile India started the second half with more intent and won three back-to-back penalty corner’s but couldn’t get the equalizer. And then captain Rani Rampal’s solo run earns India a penalty corner but yet again a wasted opportunity.

India’s Tokyo Olympics disaster continues

Referee shows a couple of cards to the Indian players. Vedanta Katariya receives a green card while her teammate Salima Tete receives a yellow card in the same minute. Great Britain took advantage of the extra player and scored the third goal in the 41st minute. It was a penalty corner that led to the goal. Although the initial drag flick was saved by Savita the rebound went back to Britain. Shonan McCallin set up Owsley for the third goal.

All of India’s wasted chances came back to haunt them. Despite winning seven penalty corners India could convert only one into goal. Three minutes from time Great Britain scores the fourth goal of the day.  After winning back-to-back penalty corner’s which then leads to a penalty stroke as Sushila chanu blocked a ball that was heading towards goal with her body. Grace Belsdon stepped up and converted from the penalty spot.

It was yet another disappointing result for the Indian team after losing the first two matches against Netherlands and Germany. Therefore the Nabhvarna needs to get a positive result from their remaining two matches to have any chance of going through to the next round. India will next play Ireland on 30th July whereas Great Britain will take on world’s number one ranked side Netherlands tomorrow.