Semifinal loss to Australia shattered us but coach Schopman motivated us: Hockey captain Savita Punia

NEW DELHI: Indian women's hockey team captain Savita Punia has revealed the side was shattered following their loss in the Commonwealth Games semifinal to Australia, but encouraging words from chief coach Janneke Schopman motivated them to give off their best in the bronze-medal match.

The women's team returned home with a historic Commonwealth Games bronze medal, capping the roller-coaster ride for the side which saw them bounce back from a heart-breaking ninth-place finish at the FIH Women's World Cup in Netherlands and Spain in July to return home with a bronze from Birmingham.

India started their Commonwealth Games campaign with back-to-back wins against Ghana (5-0) and Wales (3-1) respectively but lost 1-3 to England in their third match. They registered a 3-2 win against Canada in their fourth match to finish second in Pool A.

The team put up a solid show against Australia in the semifinal, but suffered a 1-1 (0-3 SO) loss. However, they responded to the setback in style and registered a thrilling 1-1 (2-1 SO) win against New Zealand to clinch the historic bronze.

Speaking about the historic achievement, the ace veteran goalkeeper said, "We are happy and proud of what we've achieved, and most importantly how we've achieved it. The defeat against Australia in the semifinal was hard to accept, our morale was shattered. But it was our coach Janneke Schopman who motivated us and made us realise that we still have an opportunity to return home with a medal. So, all credit for the medal goes to her. I am proud of how we as a team showed great character and never gave up till the last minute.

"It's not just a medal for us, it's an inspiration. The younger generation will also get inspired by this. We're grateful for all the support and love our fans have given to us throughout our campaign in the World Cup as well as the Commonwealth Games," she added. IANS

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