After a gap of 16 years, India’s women’s hockey team returned to the Commonwealth Games podium, defeating New Zealand via a thrilling tie-breaker in the bronze-medal playoff in Birmingham on Sunday.
The Indian team suffered a heartbreaking loss in the semi-final and it came in the penalty shootouts after a ‘clock controversy’ that left fans fuming on social media with many saying it was the organisers that cost India a chance to be in the gold medal contest.
Well, the clock worked fine this time around and India held their nerves to win the first CWG medal in women’s hockey after 16 long years.
The Indian players went on an aggressive attack and made multiple circle penetrations, but they were unable to get past the tough New Zealand defence. In the second quarter, the Indians kept up their momentum and enjoyed a greater portion of time on the ball, but they were still unable to break through the stout New Zealand defense.
The Indian women proved their determination to end their game with a victory and secure a podium finish after suffering a devastating loss to Australia in the semi final match that was well fought. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy, so before we came, we worked every minute and every second. I am so proud. We fought as a team,” Savita said after the match.