CWG 22: India captain Savita Punia reacts to shootout controversy in hockey semi-final defeat to Australia

India ladies’s hockey crew captain Savita Punia performed down the much-talked-about penalty shootout controversy after the crew misplaced to Australia within the semi-final of the competitors at Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham on Friday, August 5.

Savita Punia conceded that the choice that went towards India in the beginning of the shootout was powerful to take however pressured it is necessary to maneuver on and deal with their bronze medal match towards 2018 Gold Coast champions, scheduled for Sunday, August 7.

CWG 2022, Day 8 Updates | Medal Table

India and Australia had been tied at 1-1 on the finish of the common time and the semi-final slipped right into a penalty shootout. Australia took the opening shot however Ambrosia Malone’s shot was saved by Savita, who was in prime type towards the much-fancied opponents.

However, Australia had been requested to retake the shot because the officers had forgotten to change on the shot clock.

In the second try, Malone scored and put Australia 1-0 forward within the shootout, a lot to the agony of the Indian gamers.

“It was a very close match and sometimes these decisions don’t go your way, it becomes tougher. The first stroke was asked to be retaken. It was tough for us but, at the same time, these are part of the game. We have to move on,” Savita advised Sony Sports after the semi-final defeat.

Lalremsiami went first for India however she missed her try, a lot to the delight of the Australian followers.

Kaitlin Nobbs made it 2-0 within the shootouts for Australia to place them within the driving seat. Neha went second for India and the distress continued as she missed her likelihood as effectively. Amy Lowton scored the third for Australia to place them in a commanding place.

Finally, Navneet Kaur missed her likelihood to place Australia into the ultimate.

FOCUS ON BRONZE-MEDAL MATCH

Savita, nonetheless, lauded India for placing up a valiant present towards No. 3-ranked Australia within the semi-final. The influential captain additionally stated that it is her duty to get the crew up and operating and assist them put behind the semi-final defeat forward of the bronze medal match.

“It will take today’s time (to get over the loss in the semi-final). It was a close match, we had worked hard. But now, the bronze medal match is very important. We are aware of it,” she stated.

“As a captain, as a senior player, it’s my responsibility to motivate the players and make sure they are ready for the bronze medal match,” she added.

COACH SCHOPMAN NOT HAPPY

Meanwhile, India’s coach Janneke Schopman stated the shot clock controversy may need affected the spirits of the Indian gamers in the course of the shootout however pressured it is not an excuse for his or her defeat within the semi-final.

“I just don’t understand. Australia wasn’t complaining, everyone agreed. It was a great stop. Even the umpires did not understand.

“It’s powerful, as a result of I feel from 1-0 up arguably and getting into with momentum, I’ve 5 gamers which might be upset that they will take it once more. Their focus may need been influenced slightly bit nevertheless it’s not an excuse. It wasn’t useful for us in any respect,” Schopman stated.

— ENDS —