Rio Olympic 2016: In hockey, Indian women face tougher task ahead after draw against Japan

After draw against Japan, Indian women’s hockey team to face Great Britain, who are last Olympics bronze medalists on Tuesday.

The India women’s team staged a brilliant comeback to draw 2-2 with Japan on Sunday. Trailing 0-2 after the end of the second quarter, India hit back with goals from Rani Rampal and Lilima Minz. It was an inspiring start by India in the first ten minutes of the first quarter but Japan took control of proceedings and moved ahead with two goals towards the end of the first and second quarter.

India were found playing catch-up as Japan made some aggressive moves and created plenty of scoring opportunities. India, however, turned the tables in the third quarter as they scored 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 team have qualified for the Summer Games after a 36-year absence and coach was confident they will make a mark in Rio. England on the other hand started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Australia after Lily Owsley scored in the second quarter.

Georgina Morgan equalised from a penalty corner but Alex Danson grabbed the winner with a reverse-stick shot late in the third quarter.