Tokyo Olympics / India register 1st win in women's hockey at Tokyo Olympics to stay alive in tournament

Tokyo: Navneet Kaur scored a late goal — her first in the competition — as India beat Ireland in a women's Pool A match on Friday to stay alive in the Tokyo Olympics.

If India beats South Africa and Ireland loses to Great Britain in their final group games, India will be through to the quarterfinals.

Kaur received a brilliant pass at close range and deflected the ball into the net. Ireland referred it but the umpire's decision went in India's favour.

On Wednesday, the Indian women's hockey team had slumped to its third successive defeat, losing 1-4 to defending champion Great Britain. Great Britain got off to a dream start as Hannah Martin scored just 73 seconds into the game. The early setback served as a rude jolt for the Indians.

With a watertight defence, Great Britain offered the Indians no room. Playing an aggressive high press, they choked Rani Rampal’s side for space and shut out chances in the penalty circle.

The top four from each group advance to the last-eight stage.