In a shocking result for the Hockey aficionados of India, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team on Friday missed out on the chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024 when they were beaten by Japan 0-1 in the third place match of the Olympic qualifier. Kana Urata scored the only goal of the match in the 6th minute of the first quarter. The defeat meant Japan booked a Paris berth as the third team after Germany and USA. While Savita Punia and co will have to watch the Paris Olympics on their television sets.
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India needed a win over Japan to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team produced a fantastic display in the last Olympics, finishing fourth and missing a medal finish by a whisker. Their spirited display in the tournament made hockey enthusiasts harbour hopes about the team’s podium finish this time around in Paris. However, it didn’t take long for Japan to shatter the dream.
Japan started the game in a better pace than India and scored in the 6th minute through Kana Urata. India had plenty of time to come back in the game. However, they were undone by poor finishing, squandering numerous chances in the match. India had nine penalty corners in the match but failed to convert any. The team’s composure deserted them when they needed it the most. Japan held on to their nerves to thwart all Indian attacks and emerged victorious as a shocked India were left to rue the missed chances.
