The Indian women’s team made history on Sunday afternoon by clinching the bronze medal after defeating New Zealand in a penalty shootout.
Savita Punia’s side became the first Indian women’s team in 16 years to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. India had last won the silver at the 2006 games in Melbourne. Even in 2018, India had come close but they lost to England in the bronze medal match.
It was Salima Tete’s goal that had given India a 1-0 lead in the second quarter. While India were all set for a victory in regulation time, a penalty stroke for the Kiwis with less than 20 seconds left on the clock threatened to derail India’s hopes.
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And New Zealand did score the goal to force a penalty shootout, but the Women in Blue led by Captain Savita Punia in goal ensured they didn’t commit the same mistakes they did against Australia and ended the country's long wait for a podium finish after 16 years.