Indian Women’s Hockey Team Thrashes US 3-1 in FIH Hockey Pro League

Bhubaneswar: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team registered a victory against the United States at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Friday. With this 3-1 win, the Indian team ended the Bhubaneswar leg of the Hockey Pro League 2023/24.

Vandana Katariya(9’), Deepika (26’), and Samila Tete (56’) scored for India. Meanwhile, Sanne Caarls (42’) scored the only goal for the United States.

Halfway through the first quarter, Sangita Kumari ventured down the right wing and attempted to find Sonika in the shooting circle but the ball bounced off United States’ goalkeeper Kealsie Robles and fell kindly to Vandana Katariya, who tapped the ball in goal to score the first goal of the game for India.

With four minutes left in the second quarter, Monika threaded a pass to Vandana who shifted the ball to Deepika on the right wing and her reverse swing, from a tight angle, capped off the intricate passing sequence with a goal.

In the third quarter, both teams earned a penalty corner each but neither team managed to capitalise. With three minutes left in the quarter, Sanne Caarls picked up a loose ball outside the shooting circle and unleashed a tomahawk shot to score a goal for the US.

As the game drew to a close, Deepika went on a scintillating run across the left wing, blazing past several defenders, and crossed to Salima Tete who deflected the ball into goal and restored India’s two-goal lead. The match ended 3-1 in India’s favour.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team will take on China at 19:30 hrs on 12th February.