Breda (Netherlands), May 22: After two goalless quarters, Indian girls came good finally to overpower a Dutch club 2-0 during their first match of the ongoing Europe tour. The crucial win a couple of goals is likely to bolster the morale of the Indian girls, who play a Belgium club next.
The Indian junior women’s hockey team commenced their tour of Europe with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands’ club Bredase Hockey Vereniging Push.
Hina Bano and Kanika Siwach etched their names on the scoresheet to secure the victory for India.
Despite both teams finding opportunities through penalty corners, a goalless first quarter unfolded. While India was eager to take the lead and begin their campaign on a positive note, the opening goal evaded them. Similarly, India were unavailable to convert either of their three penalty corners in the second quarter as well.
The deadlock was finally broken in the third quarter, when a crucial penalty corner for India resulted in a goal from Hina, bringing the scoreline to 1-0. Bredase hockey aggressively pursued the equaliser, but their inability to convert any of their three penalty corners in the third quarter kept them trailing.
In the fourth and final quarter, the Indian women triumphed against the Dutch club, as Kanika found the back of the net to double India’s lead. The Indian defensive unit did well to maintain their clean sheet in the final few minutes of the match and ensured the victory.
India team will play their next match against Belgium in Breda, Netherlands on Wednesday.
Indian women are still chasing their decades old dream of an Olympic medal. Similar tours to European nations for India's junior women teams at regular intervals may play a crucial role in improving standard of women hockey in India. (With IANS support)
