GREAT Britain has won the bronze medal playoff match in the women's hockey at Tokyo 2020.

After missing out on the chance to win gold or silver following defeat to the Netherlands, Team GB produced a seven-goal thriller against India.

The 2016 gold medallists took a 2-0 lead from goals from Ellie Rayar, from East Grinstead, and Sarah Robertson, but India came back to lead the game 3-2 in the third quarter.

After finding an equaliser from Captain Hollie Pearne-Webb, Grace Balsdon scored the winning goal from a penalty corner.

It is the third time in a row that Team GB have won a medal in the competition, having also won the bronze in the London Olympics in 2012.

Maddie Hinch, whose family live in West Chiltington near Horsham, made some sharp saves throughout the match, which undoubtedly contributed to the team's victory.

There were tears from the team at full-time as Team GB celebrated their win. The bronze medal is Hinch's second Olympic medal and Rayar's first.

The Argus: Great Britain players during a penalty corner for India during the Women's Bronze Medal Match on the north pitch at the Oi Hockey Stadium on the fourteenth day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Picture date: Friday August 6, 2021.Great Britain players during a penalty corner for India during the Women's Bronze Medal Match on the north pitch at the Oi Hockey Stadium on the fourteenth day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Picture date: Friday August 6, 2021.

Great Britain captain Hollie Pearne-Webb told BBC Sport: "It's been a tough five years, and I couldn't be prouder of them all.

"We're all here because we still had that little bit of belief deep down, and there's been loads of time over the years where we've doubted we could achieve this, and I'm just so pleased and proud.

"This cycle has not been too much of a rollercoaster because there have not been many highs. Olympic bronze, even a few months ago, was in our wildest dreams."

READ MORE: Tokyo Olympics: Maddie Hinch the shootout hero for Team GB

The Netherlands, who beat Team GB in the semi-final, beat Argentina in final 3-1 to take home the gold.

Team GB currently sit sixth in the medal table with 16 gold medals, 18 silver medals and 18 bronze medals.

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