Rio 2016: Women’s hockey team loses to Great Britain, down to fourth in Pool B

Three days after the Rio Games began, the Indian women’s hockey team was defeated by Great Britain 0-3 in their second Pool B match at the Olympic Hockey Centre on Monday. The Indian women had showed good form against Japan in their opening match at Rio, collecting a 2-2 draw. This is a sad showing for a team that made history for its first appearance at the Olympics in 36 years.

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Great Britain, the bronze medal winners at the 2012 London Olympics, did not give the Indian women much space, holding the higher-ranked of the 0-0 in the first quarter. Then India conceded two quick goals in the second quarter. Britain's first penalty corner of the match came from Giselle Ansle in the 25th minute, which gave them a 1-0 lead over a defensive Indian side. Then another goal hit by Nicola White put Britain well into the lead before the half-time break. And Alexandra Danson scored a brilliant field goal in the 33rd minute.

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India could not come back, failing to convert two back-to-back penalty corners in the fourth quarter. Great Britain now stands at top spot in Pool B with six points, while India is down to fourth with one point.

India will next face Australia on Wednesday, the USA (August 11), and Argentina (August 13).

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