In a thrilling start to their FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 journey, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team encountered a fierce battle against China at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Despite a promising beginning, India fell short, succumbing to a 1-2 defeat on Saturday.
The match kicked off with India setting the tempo, displaying quick passes, yet struggling to convert into significant goal threats. China’s first opportunity came after a miscue from India’s goalkeeper Savita, but they couldn’t capitalize. Towards the end of the first quarter, Vandana Katariya changed the game’s dynamics, deflecting Lalremsiami’s cross to give India a 1-0 lead.
China responded with determination in the second quarter, earning a penalty corner that India’s defense skillfully diffused. As the game progressed, both teams failed to create clear openings, and the first half concluded with India holding a narrow lead.
The second half saw China gaining momentum, with Jiaqi Zhong’s crafty play setting up Wen Dan for an equalizer. Despite India’s efforts, China surged ahead in the last quarter, securing a lead through Bingfeng Gu’s goal after a series of penalty corners. Despite India’s attempts to level the score, the match concluded with a 2-1 victory for China.
While India showcased resilience, China’s strategic play and decisive moments tilted the balance in their favor. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will look to bounce back in the upcoming fixtures, learning from this closely contested opener in the FIH Hockey Pro League.
The Sportz Planet Desk
