Hockey Olympic Qualifier: Indian women’s team beats New Zealand 3-1

Ranchi: In its second Pool-B match of the ongoing FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier-2024 at Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Marang Gomke of the capital, the Indian women’s hockey team registered a spectacular victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1. Sangeeta Kumari (1), Udita (12) and Beauty Dungdung (14) scored goals for India while Megan Hull (9) scored the only goal for New Zealand.

After a disappointing 0-1 defeat against America in their first match on Saturday, the Indian team made a great start against New Zealand by scoring a goal in the opening minute of the match. Neha set up a shot for Salima Tete in the circle and Simdega’s talented player Sangeeta Kumari gave it a brilliant finishing touch. Although in the very next minute New Zealand got the first penalty corner of the match, but the team could not convert it into a goal. Meanwhile, India patiently played their game and wore down New Zealand’s defence.

Both teams got penalty corners again in the next minutes. But this time New Zealand got success and Megan Hull scored a goal in the 9th minute to equalize the match for New Zealand. Just four minutes later, Lalremsiami did well in the circle and gave India a penalty corner again. This time, birthday girl Udita doubled India’s lead by converting the penalty corner with a sharp shot. India continued their stellar performance in the first quarter and increased their lead to 3-1 in the 14th minute when Beauty Dungdung, assisted by two Jharkhand players – Salima and Beauty Dungdung scored the third goal for the hosts.

A commanding 3-1 lead put India in a comfortable position in the second quarter. However, no goals were scored in this quarter and after the fast pace of the first 15 minutes, the team’s pace slowed down a bit. But Beauty, Salima and Deepika performed brilliantly and forced the packed home audience to sit on their seats.

The New Zealand team again entered the match with a new strategy and enthusiasm. The Kiwi team definitely got some penalty corners in this quarter, but they could not make a dent in India’s defence. Indian captain Savita also made some brilliant saves to prevent New Zealand from scoring at the penalty corner. After this Nisha also played brilliantly. After this, India also created some chances in the next minutes but the team could not convert them into goals.

India maintained its 3-1 lead due to its strong defence. The host team failed almost all the shots of New Zealand. Although New Zealand tried their best to make a comeback in the last minutes of the match, India remained patient and scored three points from this match. India now has to play its next match against Italy on 16 January.

Earlier, the US defeated Italy 2-0 to reach the semi-finals. For America, Ashley Sessa scored in the 20th minute and Ashley Hoffman scored on a penalty corner in the 48th. After the second defeat, the Italian team was out of the race for Olympic qualification. America has to play its next match against New Zealand on Tuesday while Italy has to play against India.

At the same time, in another match, Japan held Germany to a 1-1 draw. For Germany, Lisa Nolte scored a field goal in the 30th minute, while for Japan, Miyu Hasegawa scored in the 45th minute. Japan team will now face Chile while Germany team will face Czechia on Tuesday.

In the other match of the day, Chile whitewashed Czechia 6–0 in a one-sided fashion. After this victory, Chile has maintained itself in the race for Olympic qualification. At the same time, after two consecutive defeats, the Czech team was out of the race for Olympic qualification.

For Chile, Uroz scored in the 36th and 47th minutes, Consuelo de las Heras in the 13th, Camila Carrom in the 38th, Antonio Morales Orchard in the 44th and Maria Maldonado in the 58th. On Tuesday, Chile will face Japan while Czechia will face the challenge of Germany. The FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifier matches will be telecast live on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema.