The Indian women’s hockey team rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat the United States 3–2 in their opening match of the FIH Women’s Nations Cup.
AUCKLAND – The Indian women’s hockey team showcased remarkable resilience as they came from behind to defeat the United States 3–2 in their opening Pool A match of the FIH Women’s Nations Cup on June 15.
The match began with the United States taking an early lead. Ashley Sessa opened the scoring in the fourth minute, followed by Madeleine Zimmer, who converted a penalty corner just three minutes later, putting the U.S. ahead 2–0.
However, India responded strongly in the second quarter. Drag-flicker Deepika initiated the comeback by converting a penalty corner in the 17th minute. She followed this up with another successful penalty corner in the 24th minute, leveling the score at 2–2.
Just before halftime, Navneet Kaur scored from yet another penalty corner in the 28th minute, giving India a 3–2 lead.
After the break, neither team was able to find the back of the net. Both India and the United States earned six penalty corners each, but strong defensive efforts from both sides kept the score unchanged through the final two quarters.
This victory propelled India into second place in Pool A with three points, tied with Japan, which leads the standings on goal difference.
The Nations Cup winner will secure promotion to the FIH Pro League, a competition India was relegated from last season, according to IANS.