The two commonwealth nations India and England (including Great Britain) are traditional rivals in the women’s hockey domain. They face off today at the Tokyo Olympics. England has improved its status after a stunning gold at Rio Olympics, but India has always been a thorn in its flesh.
Their fights have always been intense, passion dominating the proceedings. Its no secret then that the best ever international result of Indian women’s hockey came at the cost of England.
Led by Surajlata Devi, India won England in the 2002 Commonwealth Games final. The match was as hot as fire with both teams fighting it to the hilt. Mamta Kharab’s golden goal off India’s penalty corner in the extra time of play placed her in a dominant position in the women’s hockey hall of fame.
The English contested the golden goal and the result was announced after an hour!
Recently, about two summers ago, India opened its World Cup campaign against England. It was as close as expected. Neha Goyal shot the lead midway through the second quarter, and the lead continued till last six minutes when Lily owsley replied through a penalty corner deflection at that point.
India certainly appeared a better side but had to contend with a draw. Strong India lost the quarterfinal on shoot out is a different story.
India defeated England at the 2002 CWG final to its historical moment.
India and England also played out an exciting series in 2019 after figuring in the Olympic test event. The first test was a goaless draw, third one 2-2 draw. Here too India established a clear dominance with 2-0 lead, but succumbed to pressure in the last five minutes.
At Gold Coast, with new coach in Harendra Singh, Rani Rampal’s team struck a blow to the English with a 2-1 win in the opener. They took revenge in the bronze medal match though.
One can easily expect a tough fight today at the South pitch of the Oi Hockey Stadium
QUICK STAT: India-GB today (06.30 AM IST). After Rio, Indian women played GB (incl Eng) 7 times, won 1, drew 3, lost 3, scored 7 goals while conceding 17.