Commonwealth Games: Indian women’s hockey team claims bronze medal with a thrilling win over New Zealand

Birmingham, Aug. 7 (IANS): The Indian women’s hockey team claimed the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022 with a 2-1 win in shoot-out over New Zealand here on Sunday.

In the regulation time, Salima Tete (29′) scored the winning goal for India, only for Olivia Merry (60′) to score a late goal for New Zealand and push the match to a shoot-out.

Savita made three sensational saves in the shoot-out, while Sonika and Navneet Kaur struck past Kiwi goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon as India pulled off a thrilling win.

With the bronze medal win, Indian women’s hockey team ended their 16-year wait for a medal at the Commonwealth Games.

India began cautiously, holding the ball in the midfield. Navneet Kaur and Vandana Katariya penetrated the circle in the early minutes, but New Zealand defence cleared away the danger. Nisha made a solid save after Rose Tynan made a dangerous pass inside the circle. Salima Tete almost put her team in the lead after India forced their way into the Kiwi circle through the central channel, but her shot just went wide and the first quarter ended with both teams at 0-0.

The second quarter started with India making circle penetrations from the left flank and keeping the Kiwi defence on their toes. Navneet Kaur created a chance for India to get a shot on target but New Zealand kept their composure and cleared the ball. A counter-attacking move was set up Rose Tynan as she struck a shot towards Alex Lukin in front of the goal.

Neha and Navneet Kaur created a beautiful chance for India to extend their lead. But the pass to Sonika in front of the goalpost just went wide. Before the end of the third quarter, New Zealand managed to hit the ball into the nets. But India used their referral well and the goal was disallowed due to an infringement in the lead-up.

Megan Hull scored from New Zealand’s first attempt in the Shoot-Out, while Sangita Kumari missed India’s first attempt. Savita pulled off a great save as she denied Ralph Hope. Sonika levelled the score line at the Shoot-out as she struck past Grace O’Hanlon. Rose Tynan struck the side netting, but Navneet Kaur struck past Grace as India took a 2-1 lead in the Shoot-Out. With Katie Doar and Olivia Shannon missing for the Kiwis, India went on to the win the match in thrilling fashion to claim the Bronze medal.