Tokyo Olympics: Hockey girls come close to podium finish, stoke dreams of a nation | Tokyo Olympics News – Times of India

Think Indian women’s hockey and the image that would usually flash through most people’s minds was the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Chak De! India’.
Usually, that is. After the performance of the women in the Tokyo Olympics, common notions are set to change: this real team of bravehearts might replace make-believe screen icons as the source of inspiration in people’s minds.
Over the past couple of weeks, the Indian women’s hockey team – the real deal – has emerged from the shadows of Bollywood’s bright lights. 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 rollercoaster 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 PearneWebb 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.
A solo effort from Elena Rayer on the right flank put Britain ahead in the 16th minute, her goalbound shot going off defender Deep Grace Ekka’s stick. Britain then crowded India’s defence and doubled the lead in the 24th minute with Sarah Robertson finding the mark after being set up by Shona McCallin.
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.
Britain didn’t need a second invitation.