FIH Pro League: India get third win of season

PTI

Rourkela, February 18

A day after upsetting world No. 3 Australia, the Indian women’s team once again played an entertaining and fast-paced brand of hockey to defeat the United States 2-1 via shootout in an FIH Pro League match here today.

The regulation period ended in a 1-1 stalemate with India scoring in the 19th minute through young drag-flicker Deepika Kumari and the US equalising through Ashley Seesa in the 45th minute.

Mumtaz Khan and Sonika were on target in the shootout, while Leah Crouse scored for the losing team.

Despite the win, the Indian chief coach, Janneke Schopman, would be unhappy with the way the Savita Punia-led side dominated for most part and still could not win the contest in regulation time despite earning several penalty corners. India completed their Pro League engagements at home with five defeats and three wins.

‘Pro League vital for Paris preparations’

Rourkela: Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Craig Fulton said the ongoing FIH Pro League matches are vital to his team’s preparation for the Paris Olympics. The Indians have so far played four matches, winning three and losing one. “It (Pro League) gives us 18 games that you are looking in the build-up to Paris. So it is important. Whether some teams are putting their strongest teams or not is out of our control,” Fulton said. “Everything we are looking forward to is to have more perspective about our game, develop our game with the squad we have.” PTI

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