India 5th; Oz meet Kiwis in final

New Delhi, Oct. 11: Tears rolling down her eyes, Indian hockey skipper Surinder Kaur sat on the dais as she addressed the media after the team’s 3-0 win over Canada in the 5-6 play-off match in the women’s hockey competition here. This was the girls’ worst finish in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

A scandalous run-up to the CWG marred the home team’s chances as they cut out a sorry figure in the event.

Said Surinder, “I am disheartened by our performance. The team failed to give their best. I wish I could turn the clock back.”

Insiders reveal that the players and manager Rupa Saina were involved in a tiff ahead of the day’s match, with the former giving a dressing down to the girls on their remarks after the league game against South Africa.

Needing a 4-0 win to qualify for the semis, the players had suggested that a miscalculation on the team management’s part — who had set 8-0 as victory margin — had led to India’s ouster.

“I do not wish to indulge in any such talk. Hockey is all that we have. The girls are from poor background, and all would end if we do not play for India,” said a teary-eyed Surinder.

The Indian goals came in the 18th, 67th and 70th minutes through Ritu Rani, C. Thokchom Devi and Saba Anjum, respectively.
English hopes dashed

Earlier, the Australian women warded off a strong challenge from the higher-ranked England (1-0) to set up a final clash against New Zealand.
Skipper Madonna Blyth struck the winner despite the English holding the upper hand for most parts of the game.

England had many opportunities to score, but it were Australia who shot into the lead courtesy a freak goal. Blyth’s strike hit the stick of a teammate and rolled into the goal in the 38th minute.

Later, New Zealand earned a well-deserved win against South Africa beating them 1-0.