It was a glorious moment for the Indian Women’s hockey team when they make a come back in the Olympics. The Indian team achieved the feat after 36 years and didn’t ruin the occasion as they held on their Japan counterparts for a 2-2 draw in the opener.
India got a chance to grab a point when in the last minute, a hard shot by Vandana Katariya came in but was denied by the Japanese goalkeeper Asano Sakiyo. Earlier, Japan scored two goals in the first two quarters by Emi Nishikori (14) and Mie Nakashima (27).
India later made a come back after the half-time to score two goals in the third quarter through Rani Rampal and Lilima Minz. Minz’s equaliser set up India’s first point in the tournament as the two Asian teams managed to draw the clash.
When Japan took the lead with 10 seconds left in the first quarter, it was against the run of play. It was also their first penalty corner and Nishikori was on target. India though didn’t really had a great run in the tournament but the iconic match didn’t disappoint the fans and Indian spectators.
A thrilling first match for the Indian women’s team was enough to explain the kind of game play they were up for and the ability they persisted with the hockey sticks in the hand.
