Hockey: Indian women out of CWG 2014 medal contention after loss to South Africa

The Indian women’s hockey team lost their last crucial Pool A tie 2-3 to South Africa at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre here Wednesday to go out of medal contention at the Commonwealth Games.

India had earlier beaten Canada and Trinidad and Tobago but lost to New Zealand going into the match. They had to beat South Africa to have any chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

However, that was not to be the case and now the 2002 edition champions will play the 5-6th position classification playoff against hosts Scotland.

The proceedings started in the 14th minute when South Africa converted a penalty corner opportunity through Tarryn Bright. As the match was approaching halftime, India were awarded with a penalty stroke and Jaspreet Kaur (34th minute) did not disappoint to level the match at 1-all.

South Africa wasted no time and and took the lead once again in the next minute via a field goal from Dirkie Chamberlain.

In the 54th minute Dirkie shot at the goal which was saved by goalkeeper Savita. Unfortunately for India, the ball rebounded to Illse Davids, who converted to help South Africa take a 3-1 lead.

India came back with a 59th minute penalty corner strike by Rani to make it 2-3.

Here on, both teams kept looking for scoring opportunities but were unable to convert the chances.

IANS