Auckland, June 15: The Indian women’s hockey team has commenced their campaign in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup with a remarkable victory. After trailing by two goals, the Indian squad staged an impressive comeback to defeat the USA 3-2 in their Pool A match.
Deepika starred for India, scoring two goals, while Navneet Kaur added another. Deepika’s outstanding performance earned her the title of ‘Player of the Match.’ The USA started strong, with Ashley Sessa scoring a field goal in the fourth minute to give her team a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Madeline Zimmer doubled the advantage by converting a penalty corner in the seventh minute, putting India under early pressure.
Despite being two goals down, the Indian team gradually began to assert their attack. Their efforts paid off in the second quarter when drag-flick specialist Deepika successfully converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute, reducing the deficit and bringing India back into the match. Momentum shifted in India’s favor, and they were awarded another penalty corner midway through the quarter. Deepika struck again in the 24th minute, converting another penalty corner to level the score at 2-2.
India maintained the pressure and made a stunning comeback before halftime. In the 28th minute, Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner, giving India their first lead of the match, which they held until the final whistle. The second half saw both teams fiercely contesting for goals, with each side receiving six penalty corners during the match. However, neither defense allowed any further goals in the remaining quarters.
India held onto their lead in the final stages, securing three crucial points. Following this victory, India now sits in second place in Pool A with three points. The team’s next challenge will be against Japan on June 16, who currently leads Pool A.
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