India women’s hockey draws against Japan in opening match

RIO DE JANIERO (Diya TV) — After a 36-year absence, the India women’s field hockey team returned to the Olympic stage Sunday in Rio, playing to a 2-2 draw against Japan in a spirited effort of the Group B opener.

India was sparked by an inspiring start, Preeti Dubey and Poonam Rani kicked off the match with two very close chances in the first quarter. However, both opportunities missed the target.

Japan snapped out of their early funk, taking control of much of the match after aggressively evolving their offense and tactics. Emi Nishikori put Japan on the board first, converting a penalty corner in the closing stages of the opening quarter. With less than three minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Japanese doubled their advantage after Mie Nakashima found the back of the net.

Heading into the half, India looked lost in translation. However, goals from Rani Rampal and Lilima Minz in the third quarter sparked the makes of a possible comeback — Rani found the back of the net on a successful penalty corner of her own, and just five minutes later, Lilima punched home the equalizer.

With the match on level terms, both squads pushed their players to the offensive brink in search of an elusive go-ahead goal.

Currently ranked No. 13 in the world, India emerged satisfied in sharing a point with their rival, who are three spots ahead of them with a No. 10 world ranking.

India’s women’s team will resume play Tuesday against Great Britain.