Rio 2016: Spirited Indian women hold Japan in opener

India women’s hockey team celebrate a goal in their Pool B match against Japan on Sunday. India came back from 0-2 down to pull off a 2-2 draw. (Photo: PTI)

Returning to the Olympics after a hiatus of 36 years, the Indian women’s hockey team showed tremendous fighting spirit and came from two goals down to eke out a 2-2 draw against higher-ranked Japan in their opening Pool B match at the Rio Games, here on Sunday.

The Indians, ranked 13th in the world, were trailing by two goals at half time after world no. 10 Japan scored through Emi Nishikori (15th minute) and Mie Nakashima (28th).

But India made a valiant fightback as Rani Rampal (31st) and Lilima Minz (40th) scored a goal each in the third and fourth quarters to secure points for their side.

India got off to a bright start in the match before losing the plot towards the end of the first quarter.

They dominated the share of possesion but failed to create clear-cut scoring opportunities in the first 30 minutes. Whatever chances India created, the strikers misfired inside the rival circle.

Japan, on the other hand, took time to settle down but got into the groove as the game progressed.

India’s first scoring chance came in the seventh minute but Preeti Dubey, who was lurking in front of Japan goal, failed to get a touch to Deepika’s cross.

A minute later Poonam Rani shot wide from inside the circle.