Rio Olympics: Indian Women's Hockey Team Ekes Out 2-2 Draw Against Japan
The Indian women's hockey team were trailing 0-2 after the first two quarters in their opening 2016 Rio Olympics match but dominated the third with Rani Rampal and Lilima Minz finding the net to bring their team on level terms
Highlights
-
Indian women's team draw their opening Rio 2016 match vs Japan 2-2
-
India were trailing 0-2 to Japan after the first two quarters
-
Rani Rampal, Lilima Minz scored for India in the third quarter
Returning to the Olympics after a hiatus of 36 years, Indian women's hockey team showed tremendous fighting spirit and came from two goals down to eke out a 2-2 draw against higher-ranked Japan in their opening Pool B match at the 2016 Rio Games on Sunday.
The Indians, ranked 13th in the world, were trailing by two goals at half time after World No. 10 Japan scored through Emi Nishikori (15th minute) and Mie Nakashima (28th).
But the Indians made a valiant fightback as Rani Rampal (31st) and Lilima Minz (40th) scored in the third quarter to secure the points for their side.
The Indians got off to a bright start and dominated the first 10 minutes before going down a goal towards the end of the first quarter.
They dominated the share of possesion but failed to create clear-cut scoring opportunities in the first 30 minutes. Whatever chances India created, the strikers misfired inside the rival circle.
Japan, on the other hand, took time to settle down but got into the groove as the game progressed.
India's first scoring chance came in the seventh minute but Preeti Dubey, who was lurking in front of the Japan goal, failed to get a touch to Deepika's cross. A minute later Poonam Rani shot wide from inside the circle.
Just 10 seconds from the end of first quarter, India conceded a penalty corner and Japan broke the deadlock through a fine strike from Nishikori.
In the second quarter, India enjoyed more possession but were guilty of giving away the ball too easily.
Japan doubled their lead two minutes from half-time from a swift break through Nakashima, who deflected in a cross from left, which India captain Sushila Chanu failed to cut off.
Down by two goals, India came out with much more purpose after the change of ends and put pressure on the Japanese goal with relentless attacks.
The Indians earned their first penalty corner with the opening move of the third quarter and Rani Rampal was bang on target with a slap shot to reduce the margin.
Japan missed their second short corner, but India utilised the second of two more penalty corners they earned in the third quarter when Lilima Minz scored from a rebound to level the scores.
(Send your good luck messages for the 119 member strong Indian contingent at Rio Olympics using #GoTeamIndia)