Bhopal, May 17: In their second matches of the series, India’s U-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams suffered defeats against Australia’s U-18 teams. The matches took place on Sunday at the Uddhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal.
In the men’s match, Australia secured a 3-1 victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. The first goal came in the 16th minute from Arjun Bryan, giving Australia an early advantage. However, India quickly responded in the 24th minute with a goal from Ashish Tani Purti, leveling the score at 1-1.
Despite the equalizer, Australia regained control in the third quarter. Goals from Sam Peoples in the 39th minute and Angus McMullen in the 45th minute ensured the visitors’ win.
In the women’s match, the Indian U-18 team faced a 1-4 defeat. India initially took the lead in the 11th minute, dominating the early stages of the game.
However, Australia made a strong comeback. Annelies Cullen scored in the 26th minute, followed by Giselle Thompson in the 31st minute. Aurora Kovacevic and Stella Bartholomew added goals in the 36th and 48th minutes, respectively, marking Australia’s second consecutive victory on this tour.
The Indian U-18 women’s team will look to bounce back in their third match on Monday at the International Sports Complex in Nathu Barkheda, Bhopal. Meanwhile, the Indian U-18 men’s team will face Australia again on May 18 at the Uddhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre.
Previously, India’s men’s team drew their opening match 2-2, while the women’s team lost their first match 4-3 to Australia.
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