The Indian women’s hockey team missed out on a historic Olympic medal after losing 4-3 to Great Britain in the Tokyo 2020 bronze medal match at the Oi Hockey Stadium North Pitch on Friday. 

Indian drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur (25′, 26′) and veteran striker Vandana Katariya (29′) scored the goals for India, while Grace
Balsdon (48′), captain Hollie Pearne-Webb (35′), Ellie Rayer (24′) and Sarah Robertson (16′) were the British
scorers. 

The team had already made history by securing a maiden Olympic semi-final berth, but their dream of capping it off with a medal remained unfulfilled as they lost to world No 4 and reigning Olympic champions Great Britain. 

The defeat comes a day after the men’s team ended a 41-year Olympic medal drought, defeating Germany 5-4 to clinch bronze.  

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Britain started brightly in the first half, India held on as the first quarter ended with the scores level at 0-0 before a breathless second quarter saw five goals being scored. 

Gurjit converted two penalty corners to bring India back on terms, after Robertson and Rayer gave Britain the lead in the second quarter, before Katariya scored to ensure India entered the half-time break with a precious lead. 

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Britain bossed possession and created most of the clear-cut chances with Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia one of the standout players in the early phases, denying the reigning champions at leat thrice. 

India won two penalty corners in the third quarter but failed to convert any of them. Britain were the superior team in the final quarter, pressing hard at the Indian backline in search for goals. 

They won four penalty corners in quick succession, with Balsdon squeezing the final one between Punia’s legs. India had another penalty corner in the final minutes, but were denied a late equaliser by a stout British defence.