Hockey Olympic qualifiers: Indian women lose second leg, qualify for Tokyo Olympics

The Indian women's performance in the second leg against the United States of America was not up to the mark, but they managed to scrap through for Tokyo Olympics.

It was an aggressive start by the USA team right from the word go, as the visitors earned 3 penalty corners in the first five minutes. 

In the sixth minute, Amanda Magadan scored a brilliant deflection goal which gave USA a 1-0 lead. USA continued to attack the Indian team. Kathleen Sharkey scored a brilliant field goal to make it 2-0 in favour of the visitors. At the end of the first half, USA led 2-0. 

The USA team were aggressive in the 2nd quarter also with attacking moves. In the 20th minute, Alyssa Parker scored a brilliant field goal to make it 3-0 in favour of the USA. 

India earned its 1st penalty corner of the match in 22nd minute, but it was well saved by the USA goalkeeper. Magadan scored a brilliant field goal again in the 28th minute to make it 4-0 and 5-5 on aggregate. At the end of the first half USA led 4-0. 

The third quarter saw a much better performance from the Indians with some attacking moves. India earned two penalty corners, but to no avail. It was a decent performance by the hosts as they kept the pressure on USA. At the end of the 3rd quarter, USA still led 4-0. 

The Indian team continued their impressive performance in the fourth quarter. Rani Rampal produced a brilliant goal inside the circle in the 51st minute to make it a 6-5 lead on aggregate. 

After the goal, the Indian team kept possession. Despite USA trying hard and doing everything, the Indian defence was solid and they qualified for the Tokyo Olympics despite losing the match. 

After conceding 4 goals in the first two quarters, the Indian team lifted their spirits and did a remarkable job to make it to the prestigious tournament.