CWG 2022 Women Hockey LIVE – India win bronze medal: The Indian women hockey team defeated New Zealand 2-1 (1-1 in normal time) in the penalty shootout to clinch bronze in the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Sunday. However, they need to thank India captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia, who starred with three saves in the penalty shootout to win the match and the medal for India. Follow CWG 2022 hockey live updates with InsideSport.IN
Also Read: Heartbreak for India as they lose semifinal contest against Australia in shootout
This comes a huge sign of relief for India, who had suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the penalty shootout in the semifinal. But Savita ensured that her team mates had smiles on their face.
In fact, it was game, which should not have even got beyond the four quarters. India were so brilliant throughout the match with New Zealand struggling. However, India conceded a late goal, penalty stroke converted by Olivia Merry, with less than one minute for the match to end in regulation time. That cancelled Salima Tete’s second quarter goal to make it 1-1 in the final quarter.
In the first quarter, India were utterly dominant. They enjoyed solid possession, but failed to convert in whatever chances came their way. They kept on pushing in the second quarter and Salima Tete finally scored a solid goal to make it 1-0.
What a match!!
Nzl 🇳🇿nearly pulling of a heist!!
Finally Indian 🇮🇳women hockey 🏑 team wins bronze🥉medal in shootout!
This is our 1st medal🏅after 16 yrs.
Many congrats to team👏
Special mention of Capt Savita Punia pulling 4 saves 😍 what a goalkeeper!#IndVsNzl #Hockey pic.twitter.com/bWirBjTZrz
— Soug (@sbg1936) August 7, 2022
India dominated the contest till the half-time. Even after the break the domination continued, and India got several chances to double their lead. They were wasteful.
As the game grew, New Zealand were more desperate to equalise in the last quarter. They stepped up a gear in the last 15. They found their rhythm and asked questions to Indian defence, which stood firm until the last minute of the game.
A penalty corner in the last minute led to a penalty stroke and the ball was converted by Olivia Merry. However, India captain as goalkeeper Savita Punia stood tall to make three saves and help India win bronze.
It led to emotional scenes inside the stadium. Players were seen hugging one another and jumping in joy. It was the same team, which lost a bronze medal match in Tokyo Olympics as well.
Follow CWG 2022 hockey live updates with InsideSport.IN
