Indian women’s hockey team drill five past Ghana

Birmingham, July 29

The Indian women’s hockey team defeated a lowly Ghana 5-0 to start its Commonwealth Games campaign on a winning note here today.

However, the Savita Punia-led side was far from impressive in its first Pool A game. Gurjit Kaur (3rd, 39th minutes) scored a brace, while Neha Goyal (28th), Sangita Kumari (36th) and Salima Tete (56th) struck a field goal each for India. Even though India dominated the match in all departments, it was a lacklustre performance in the first two quarters as Ghana defended resolutely to frustrate them.

What was more frustrating for India was the weak link-up between the midfield and forwardline. Penalty corner conversion also continued to haunt them — out of 10 chances India got, they converted only one.