Manchester: Capping their giant-killing spree, India overcame a stiff resistance from England in a high-tension final on August 3 to win their first-ever gold medal in the women's hockey at the Commonwealth Games.

The 3-2 victory came via the golden goal when the livewire forward Mamata Kharab struck in the dying moments of the first half of extra-time after both sides were locked 2-2 in regulation time.

This was the second golden goal victory for the Indians in this competition after their dramatic 4-3 victory against South Africa in the play-off for the semi- finals.

This match too had its share of drama as the golden goal, off a penalty corner, was initially disallowed by referee Ashton Lucy of Australia on the grounds that it was scored after the hooter for the end of the first half of extra time went off.

But the decision was changed after discussions between the two field umpires who ruled that the ball had not gone out of the circle after the penalty corner was taken and according to rules play was still on even after the end of time.

Though England dominated the initial stages of the first half, India shot into the lead against the run of play when Mamata Kharab scored off a penalty corner in the 21st minute. Sita Gossain made it 2-0 nine minutes later.

England fought back in the dying moments of the first half and reduced the margin just a minute before the breather through a controversial field goal by skipper Sarah Blanks.

PTI