HOC: India win women's hockey gold in controversial finish

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HOC: India win women's hockey gold in controversial finish

India has been awarded the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games women's hockey tournamentafter a 3-2 win over England in a final which ended in unprecedented controversy overa golden goal by India.

The two teams were tied at 2-2 after regulation time but India's MAMTA KHARAB scrambleda golden goal off a penalty corner just before the first half of extra-time ended.

New Zealand umpire LYN FARELL disallowed the goal, saying the hooter from the technicalbench to signal the end of the session had gone off before the ball entered the goal.

India's appeal that the ball was still in play, hence the goal should be allowed, wasupheld by the technical.

Enland appealed the decision but it was rejected by the technical delegate.

England took up its right to a second appeal which could have taken 24 hours but laterwithdrew it saying it did so in the spirit of the Friendly Games.

The officials ruled after reviewing the video that the halftime hooter had soundedbefore the ball went into the goal but the rules say that, in those circumstances, a penaltycorner should be completed before play ends.

Australia finished withe bronze medal after beating New Zealand 4-3 in their play-off earlier.

AAP RTV nh

KEYWORD: GAMES HOC WOMEN (MANCHESTER)