The Indian Women’s Hockey team start their FIH Hockey Pro League campaign against China with a dominant 7-1 win at the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Muscat, Oman. The Indian Eves had six different goalscorers on the night against China. While Deng Xue scored the only consolation goal for China.
There were goals from Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam (47’, 52’), Navneet Kaur (5’), Neha (12’), Vandana Katariya (40’), Sharmila Devi (48’) and Gurjit Kaur (50’) as they led India to a very dominant victory to start the campaign.
India implemented the high press strategy and made it clear right from the first minute against China. The strategy proved to be very effective as they controlled the game largely and the result very well speaks for itself.
Navneet Kaur scored the first goal of the match to give India the breakthrough in the 5th minute, she scored on the rebound after Sushila Chanu’s initial attempt came off the post.
Indian Captain and Goalkeeper Savita was called into action for the first time in the 10th minute as China applied some pressure back on the Indians. Savita kept India in the game with a brilliant save as China almost scored from a penalty corner. India soon doubled their lead as Neha registered her name in the scoresheet this time. Neha combined with Nisha to calmly slot it past the Chinese goalkeeper.
The second quarter was more of the same as India dominated possession and controlled play. But the second quarter was left goalless despite India’s best efforts.
India lead into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Later in the 40th minute, Vandana Katariya scored a sensational goal. Her initial effort was saved by Chinese custodian Wu Surong. But Vandana who was losing balance stood up and struck a solid tomahawk to pierce the ball past the custodian. China reduced the deficit in the 43rd minute through a goal scored by Deng Xue.
India then upped the ante as Sushila Chanu scored the first of her goals from a penalty corner in the 47th minute. A minute later India won the ball in China’s half and they worked a brilliant chance for Sharmila Devi to finish the chance brilliantly. Later in the 50th minute, Lalremsiami’s earned penalty corner was converted by Gurjit Kaur.
India then won their third penalty corner and Sushila Chanu scored her brilliant brace by converting the chance. Therefore India ended up winning 7-1 against the underwhelming Chinese team.
The Indian Women’s Hockey team will take on China again on 1st February and will look to continued this form in the second leg aswell.
