After the star performance of the Indian women's hockey team in Tokyo Olympics, the Indian women’s hockey team has emerged from the shadows of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Chak De! India.’ The likes of Rani Rampal and others from the courageous group marshalled by Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne are now household names.
In only their third appearance on the world’s biggest sporting stage, the team went from also-rans to being among the top four. A historic medal was within grasp but sadly not in the bag. A resurgent Great Britain pulled off a great escape with a 4-3 victory in the playoff for the bronze medal on Friday.
Britain have commanding credentials. Champions in 2016 and ranked No. 5 in the world, they were ahead in experience, exposure and skill. And yet, for the most part, it didn’t count for much against the Indians. Much like the rest of the competition, it was a roller coaster ride for the Indian team. They were trailing by two goals when six magical minutes sent their hopes and expectations soaring. India scored three times with Gurjit Kaur and Vandana Katariya powering them ahead. They led 3-2 at half-time.
The fire was stoked but Britain had enough in their armoury to douse it. Their inspirational skipper Hollie Pearne-Webb ensured her team found parity in the 35th minute. And with 12 minutes to go, Grace Balsdon’s powerful drag-flick sealed the deal for Britain.
For the better part of the 60-minute contest, though, there was little to choose between the teams. If anything, India’s midfield was slightly off-key, failing to execute passes and losing possession. Perhaps big-match composure will come with time. India fired the first salvo when Navneet Kaur forayed into the striking circle after latching on to a pass from Rani in the second minute. But her shot at the goal was cleared by the British defenders. Once Britain settled in, they launched a blitz. It took an outstanding effort from goalkeeper Savita Punia to keep the sheet clean at the end of the first quarter.
Then followed the Indian fightback. They played to their strengths of forcing penalty corners and Gurjit (25th and 26th minute) struck twice in as many minutes. India’s strikers were then guilty of some profligacy with Navneet Kaur missing a rebound off Sushila Chanu but Vandana made amends and found the back of the net.
However, Britain piled on the pressure and the Indians picked up cards at crucial junctures, leaving them vulnerable. The Indian women may have lost the match but they were not vanquished as they leave Tokyo with heads held high.
