The Indian Women’s Hockey Team kicked off their Rourkela leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 with a closely contested match against China, ending in a 1-2 loss despite initially taking the lead. Vandana Katariya’s exceptional cross led to Sangita Kumari’s early goal in the first quarter, giving India the advantage. However, China’s Gu Bingfeng scored twice, in the 14th and 53rd minutes, turning the tide in their favor and securing a 2-1 victory. Despite both teams receiving several penalty corner opportunities, India couldn’t capitalize, while China efficiently converted one to equalize in the first quarter. The match showcased intense competition, with India’s efforts falling short against China’s resilient performance.
During the second quarter of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 match between the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and China, China gained greater possession of the ball. However, the Indian defense demonstrated resilience, preventing the Chinese team from making crucial connections and taking the lead. Around ten minutes before the end of the second quarter, China was awarded a penalty corner, presenting a potential scoring opportunity. Nevertheless, Indian Captain and goalkeeper Savita made a commendable save, denying China the chance to go ahead. Seizing the momentum, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team swiftly launched a counterattack, earning themselves another opportunity to score from a penalty corner. Despite their efforts, the Chinese defense held firm, and the first half concluded with both teams maintaining a goal each.
In the early stages of the third quarter in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 match between the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and China, China was granted a penalty corner. However, a sharp referral from Neha Goyal resulted in the decision being overturned as it was revealed that the ball had struck the shin of the Chinese player Huang Haiyan. Following this successful intervention, India maintained effective control of the ball throughout the third quarter, while China adopted a defensive strategy, positioning themselves deep within their own half to thwart the Indian attempts to breach their defense. The stalemate persisted, with neither team managing to find the back of the net during this period of play.
In the latter part of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 match, both the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and China had several close opportunities to take the lead. However, it was China who managed to break the deadlock, securing their second goal after being awarded a penalty stroke. GU Bingfeng (53’) confidently stepped up to take the penalty stroke, converting it with precision, putting China ahead with about seven minutes remaining on the clock. Despite India’s efforts, including being awarded two successive penalty corners in the 55th minute, the resilient Chinese defense thwarted their attempts to equalize. China held onto their slender one-goal lead, ultimately winning the match 2-1.
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team is scheduled to face the Netherlands at 1930hrs IST on 14th February in their next match.
Fans can catch all the action of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 on JioCinema, with India matches also being telecast on Sports18 – Khel.
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