After a 16 years-long time waits, it was an auspicious time for the Indian women’s hockey team in the Commonwealth games as they finished their campaign with Bronze Medal against New Zealand in Birmingham on Sunday. Indian men’s hockey team gave a guard of honor to the women’s hockey team after the buzzing win over the Kiwis. Indian women defeated them by 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out.
In the regulation time, Salima Tete (29′) scored the goal for India, only for Olivia Merry (60′) to score a late goal for New Zealand and push the match to a shootout. Savita made three sensational saves in the shootout, while Sonika and Navneet Kaur struck past Kiwi goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon as India pulled off a thrilling 2-1 shootout win after a 1-1 scoreline in regulation time. India began cautiously, holding the ball in the midfield. Navneet Kaur and Vandana Katariya penetrated the circle in the early minutes, but New Zealand’s defense 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. With the following win Indian women’s hockey team ended their 16-year wait for a medal in the Commonwealth games.
Indian women’s team celebrated this win in a buzzing style. In a viral video on social media, the whole team could be seen dancing full of energy with the song ‘Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walon, Chahe Jitna Jor laga lo Sabse Aage honge Hindustani of Dus movie.’
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