Indian Women’s Lawn Bowls team won a historic gold medal at the ongoing 2022 Commonwealth Games as they defeated South Africa in the Women Fours Final. The quartet Lovely Choubey (lead), Pinki (second), Nayanmoni Saikia (third), and Rupa Rani Tirkey (slip) beat South Africa 17-10 to bring home the first-ever CWG medal for India in Lawn Bowls. It took 15 Ends for the Indian quartet to seal the victory.
Having entered the final of the event for the first time in CWG history, India had high hopes for itself. But it was not an easy task considering how South Africa had reached the final. The South African quartet of Thabelo Muvhango (lead), Bridget Calitz (second), Esme Kruger (third), and Johanna Snyman (skip) did look threatening at times as they won points at crucial junctures.
South Africa made a comeback from 2-8 to go 8-8 and spiced up the contest a bit. However, the Indian team was alert as it corrected the mistakes and gained a lead in the next few ends. Eventually, after End 15, India were declared the winners having reached 17 points. As soon as South Africa missed the last throw, there was a wave of jubilation in the camp as the players started shouting and jumping.
Everyone in the Indian camp had a broad smile on their face and the players could be seen in tears. All the four players hugged each other and made a huddle to celebrate their historical achievement. The tricolor was also hoisted high.
Watch the moment here: