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In Pics: Rani Rampal's heroes fall just short of historic Olympic medal

Indian women hockey team heartbreakingly lost their bronze medal match of the Tokyo Olympics 4-3 on Friday (August 5). The Indian women had already created history and surpassed all expectations by entering the semifinals of the Games for the first time. Here is a collection of pictures to sum up the thrilling third-place encounter.

Britain's great start

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Britain's great start

As expected, Great Britain started strongly and had the lion's share of ball possession and chances in the first quarter. The Indians made some circle penetrations but failed to create any clear-cut chances and were also guilty of losing possession at the midfield. (Image credit: PTI)

 

Indian goalie stands against British girls

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Indian goalie stands against British girls

India goalkeeper Savita Punia stood out in the first quarter, denying Great Britain on at least three occasions. She first made a fine save from Great Britain's first penalty corner in the second minute and then pulled off a double save in the 12th minute to keep India in the hunt. (Image credit: PTI)

Britain continues its attacking game

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Britain continues its attacking game

Britain began the second quarter on the same pace and took the lead when Elena Rayer's push went into the net after getting a deflection of Deep Grace Ekka's stick. (Image credit: PTI)

 

India's penalty corner goes in vain

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India's penalty corner goes in vain

India got their first penalty corner soon but wasted it. Great Britain doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Robertson scored with a powerful reverse hit from the top of the circle. (Image credit: PTI)

 

India gets back into game

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India gets back into game

The momentum shifted completely in India's favour as they started to attack with numbers and threatened the Great Britain goal frequently thereafter in the second quarter. After Sharmila Devi hit wide from a one-on-one situation, the Indians stunned Great Britain when Vandana tapped in an open ball inside the circle to go into half-time with a 3-2 lead. (Image credit: PTI)

India loses historic chance to win bronze medal in hard-fought match

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India loses historic chance to win bronze medal in hard-fought match

The fourth quarter completely belonged to Great Britain as they pressed hard on the Indian defence in search of goals. India had one more chance in the form of a penalty corner in the last eight minutes but Great Britain defended stoutly to deny Gurjit a hat-trick. Thereafter, Great Britain did just enough to keep India at bay and to ensure a finish on the podium. (Image credit: PTI)