(Hockey news) Olympic 2021 Live Update: The Indian women’s hockey team fought bravely right from the start but their opponents played even more fiercely to finish third in the Tokyo Olympics. The defending champions beat India 4-3 in a nail biting encounter as both the teams were going head to head till the final whistle. In the first quarter neither of the teams found the net, the second quarter saw plenty of action as five goals were scored between the teams. Britain started off with a goal in the second quarter  as Elena Sian Rayer scored in the 16th minute and eight minutes later extended the lead with another goal in the 24th minute by Sarah Robertson.

The Indians fought back with a goal the very next minute as Gurjit Kaur scored from a penalty corner shot and in the 26th minute leveled the scores. In the 29th minute, Vandana Katariya scored to give her team instant inspiration as the Indians came back from a two goal deficit and were now leading as the second quarter came to an end. In the third quarter Hollie Pearne-Webb scored in the 35th minute as the scores were once again leveled and in the final quarter Grace Balsdon scored in the 48th minute off a penalty corner shot to take home the Bronze medal.

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The Rio 2016 Olympics champions gave the Indians a tough fight but the team has a lot to cheer for with their overall performance. Their place in the quarterfinal was in doubt as they started off with three defeats but won their next three matches for a place in the Semifinals. They finished 12th in Rio and this certainly was a memorable outing. The Indian women’s hockey team have shown they can make a mark on the international stage and have improved a lot and will look to come back again and reach a milestone next time.