Commonwealth Games 2022: India’s Lawn Bowls team recall meeting MS Dhoni

India Lawn Bowls team has made it to their maiden final of the Commonwealth Games 2022 after beating New Zealand by 16-13. The women’s team comprises Lovely Choubey, Pinki, Nayanmoni Saikia, and Rupa Rani Tirkey. They will face South Africa in the gold medal clash on August 2. Against the Kiwis, after conceding a 0-5 lead after the second end. The Asian team made a strong comeback later in the game.

After end-9, they were tied 7-7 and after end-10, India took a 10-7 lead. It was a close contest between the two sides, as the team from the island nation was marginally 13-12 ahead after end-14. A brilliant shot from Tirkey helped India seal the game with a 16-13 score line. After the win, one of the team members, Lovely Choubey revealed that they met former India skipper MS Dhoni in Ranchi.

She added that they visit a Dewri Mata Temple in the city where the three-time World Championship-winning skipper also arrives. Choubey also spoke about the fact that the 41-year-old loves to play Lawn Bowls in Australia.

“Dhoni sir knows our coach in Ranchi and has come to see us at the greens twice over the years. We have a Dewri Mata temple close by, when he goes there he comes to see us as well. We had a chat about the sport as well. He said whenever he is in Australia he goes to play Lawn Bowls,” Lovely was quoted as saying by Sports Tiger.

Talking about the Indian contingent at the multi-sport event, they have won three Gold medals. All of them have been grabbed by weightlifters, Mirabai Chanu, Jeremy Lalrinnunga (men’s 67 kg), and Achinta Sheuli (men’s 73 kg). The Lawn Bowls team would be looking to increase the count of the highest price. If they manage to do it, the achievement would be registered in history as this is their first final. In total, the Indian contingent has won nine medals, three gold, and as many silver and bronze.