The Indian women’s hockey team lost the semi-final by 0-3 in a penalty shoot-out against Australia on Friday. the reason behind India’s defeat was a little mistake of Birmingham CWG-2022 Organizers as they forgot to start the timer during a penalty shout-out shot from the Australian side. The negligence by the Birmingham CWG officials has raised a huge controversy among hockey fans.
It was the exact scene during the above moment, the Australian Player Ambrosia Mallon hit a shot in penalty shoot and the Indian team leader and goalkeeper Savita Punia defended the shot and save a beautiful chance for India, but at the moment the timer was not started and the umpire gave a chance again to the opponent team Australia. Then after, having another lucrative chance, Ambrosia hit a successful goal and helped Australia to win.
After losing the battle which was very close to the final, tears started pouring from Punia’s eyes and other women players of the Indian squad were also sad.
It was a very close match and sometimes these decisions don’t go your way, it becomes tougher. It was tough for us, but at the same time, these are part of the game. We have to move on, said Punia in the post-match interview.
Punia
It will take a few times to get over such an important loss in the semi-final. It was very close to the Gold medal as we had worked hard. But now we will accept the reality and fight for the Bronze Medal in the next match, she added.
On the other hand, the Indian fans who watched India vs Australia semi-final match at midnight are blaming Birmingham organizers and making responsible to FIH authorities for India’s loss.
@FIH_Hockey You are responsible for India’s loss. How can a timer not start in such an important match? Absolute rubbish!! a user wrote on Twitter.
FIH stated on penalty shootout issue, Commonwealth Games between Australia and India (Women), the penalty shootout started mistakenly too early (the clock was not yet ready to operate), for which we apologize. (1/2)
Shame on @birminghamcg22 as organizers, utter shame for @FIH_Hockey as an international body, and poor sportsmanship for @Hockeyroos. How can you let something like this happen? Australia was given an unfair advantage in the SO, how can these things happen at this big stage ???, an Indian Twitter user replied on FIH’s apology post.
Following the unlucky loss, India is now out of the race for the Gold and Silver medal, but still standing for the Bronze medal at the event. Team India will face New Zealand
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