CWG 2022: Indian women’s hockey team wins bronze to end 16-year wait

The Indian women’s hockey team claimed the bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022 with a 2-1 shootout win (1-1 in regulation time) over New Zealand in Birmingham on Sunday (August 7).

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 win. With the bronze medal win, the Indian women’s hockey team ended its 16-year wait for a medal at the Commonwealth Games.

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India began cautiously, holding the ball in the midfield. Navneet and Vandana Katariya penetrated the circle in the early minutes, but New Zealand’s defence cleared away the danger. Nisha made a solid save after Rose Tynan made a dangerous pass inside the circle.

🥉 Bronze Medal for India

A thrilling match results in a victory for the #WomenInBlue in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games!#IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #B2022 #Birmingham2022 @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/mwXRCwNw2y

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 7, 2022

Salima 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.

The second quarter started with India making circle penetrations from the left flank and keeping the Kiwi defence on their toes. Navneet created a chance for India to get a shot on target but New Zealand kept its composure and cleared the ball.

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A counter-attacking move was set up Rose as she struck a shot towards Alex Lukin in front of the goal. But the ball just went wide and the Kiwis missed the opportunity to score. Salima broke the shackles and found the back of the nets with a reverse hit as India entered halftime with a 1-0 lead.

New Zealand started showcasing urgency at the start of the second half and pressed deeper in India’s half. Sonika broke into the circle from the left flanks, and Lalremsiami managed to get a shot but was denied by a Kiwi defender.

Neha and Navneet created a beautiful chance for India to extend its lead. But the pass to Sonika in front of the goalpost just went wide. Before the end of the third quarter, New Zealand managed to hit the ball into the nets. But India used their referral well and the goal was disallowed due to an infringement in the lead-up.

INDIAN EVES🏑 WINS BR🥉NZE

Indian Women’s #Hockey Team wins solid bronze🥉against New Zealand’s Women’s team on a penalty shootout score of 2-1🏑

Well-thought teamwork with ample energy helped the girls deliver their best to win the BRONZE 🤩

Great Game Girls!!👍#Cheer4India pic.twitter.com/RRWX0GnA6X

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 7, 2022

With 15 minutes left on the clock, India burst into New Zealand’s half with Sushila Chanu making threatening runs from the central channel. Kaitlin Cotter got a shot away from an acute angle, but Indian goalkeeper Savita made a good save, only to see the ball go to Olivia Shannon.

Shannon’s shot, though, went above the goalpost. India created a string of Penalty Corner opportunities, but the Kiwi goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon continued to make the saves. Olivia Merry scored from a penalty stroke in the final seconds of the regulation time to push the match to a shootout.

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Megan Hull scored from New Zealand’s first attempt in the shootout, while Sangita Kumari missed India’s first attempt. Savita pulled off a great save as she denied Ralph Hope. Sonika levelled the score line at the shootout as she struck past Grace O’Hanlon.

Rose Tynan struck the side netting, but Navneet struck past Grace as India took a 2-1 lead in the shootout. With Katie Doar and Olivia Shannon missing for the Kiwis, India went on to win the match in a thrilling fashion to claim the bronze medal.

Congratulations to Indian Women’s hockey team for winning bronze at #CommonwealthGames. Your spirited performance and team work have won hearts of each Indian. You have made India proud. May you bring more laurels for India.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2022