Indian Women’s Hockey team verged on winning its first-ever medal at the Olympics but, it wasn’t to be as Great Britain pretty much got over the line in the bronze medal match on Friday in Tokyo Olympics. Following 0-2, India made a staggering rebound to lead 3-2 however Great Britain adjusted in the second from last quarter and scored another in the last 15 minutes to dominate the game 4-3. In spite of the grievousness in the bronze match, it was a profoundly effective competition for the women’s team. India’s never-say-die spirit won praise from all quarters and while the team missed out on a podium spot, the presentation in Tokyo caught the imagination of the whole country.
Indian women’s Hockey Team coach, Sjoerd Marijne took to Twitter after the saddening loss and said that while “we did not win a medal, but I think we have won something bigger”.
India’s run the competition may have finished in heartbreak but it was nothing short of magical.

The Rani Rampal-drove side began a shaky tournament, losing the initial three matches convincingly. This includes a 1-5 loss to the Netherlands and 1-4 loss to Great Britain in the group stage.