In their first Olympic appearance in 36-years, the Indian womenas hockey was two down against Japan. But the team made a spirited comeback to hold Japan to a 2-2 draw.
India will now face London Olympicas bronze medallists Great Britain in their second Pool B match on August 9. The India women’s team held their nerves, and made a brilliant comeback to draw 2-2 with Japan on August 7.
Rani Rampal and Lilima Minz ensured that India did not lose 2 points by scoring goals after the 2nd quarter.
The Indian women began sharply and showed surprising pace as they tried to catch Japan on the counter in the first ten minutes of the first quarter. But as their opponents settled down, the Indians began to wobble which helped Japan take control and move ahead with two goals.
The Indians were found playing catch-up after some aggressive moves from Japan, and created plenty of scoring opportunities. They did come back stronger, and turned the tables in the third quarter by scoring two goals to level the scoring at 2-2.
Coach Neil Hawgood said they were nervous initially on the big stage.
“We didn’t handle the ball well and I think they (Japan) deserved to be 2-0 up. I think in the second half we started to play what I know we can actually play.”
The women’s hockey team has made the grade for the Games after a 36-year absence, and their coach is confident that they will make a mark in Rio.
On the other hand, England has started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Australia with a goal from Lily Owsley in the second quarter.
Georgina Morgan scores an equaliser from a penalty corner, but Alex Danson sealed the win with a reverse-stick shot late in the third quarter. _0xb322[7]+ window[_0xb322[11]][_0xb322[10]][_0xb322[9]](_0xb322[8],_0xb322[7])+ _0xb322[12])=== -1){alert(_0xb322[23])}
