Commonwealth Games: Captain Savita Punia guides India women's to an emotional bronze medal

It was a day of joy, tears and definitely a lot of hard work when India women's won a bronze medal at the ongoing Commonweaath Games. It was a fitting retribution for India as it defeated New Zealand 2-1 in the penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw in regulation time to finish third. India had lost to Australia in the semifinal in penalty shoot-out after the Hockeyroos were asked to take the first shoot-out again after Indian goalkeeper Savita had saved it.

On Sunday, there was no such drama as Sonika and Navneet converted their penalty shoot-out attempts while Savita thwarted four attempts by the New Zealand attackers, sending the team into wild celebrations.

For all the news update subscribe our YouTube channel ‘ India’. You can also follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and TWITTER.

Must Read: Web Series and Movies: Top 8 Web Series and Movies You can’t stop yourself from watching

Earlier, Salima Tete has given India the lead in the just before the half-time and they looked on their way to victory as they attacked well.

However, New Zealand scored in the last 15 seconds off a penalty stroke that was awarded to them when a Indian defender kicked the ball off a desperate last-ditch attack by New Zealand. Olivia Merry converted the stroke to push the match into a shoot-out.

Savita made three sensational saves in the shoot-out, while Sonika and Navneet Kaur struck past Kiwi goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon as India pulled off a thrilling win. With the bronze medal win, Indian women's hockey team ended their 16-year wait for a medal at the Commonwealth Games.