FIH Pro League: Indian Women's Hockey Team Mirrors The Men, Lose 3-2 To Australia

News18

12 hours ago

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Indian women's hockey team have lost 2-3 to Australia in FIH Pro League despite a strong comeback with goals from Deepika and Neha.
The Indian women's hockey team fought after conceding three goals against the mighty Aussies but lost 2-3 in a FIH Pro League game on Saturday, June 14, in London.
Australia took a 3-0 lead through field goals from forward Courtney Schonell, Lexie Pickering and a penalty stroke conversion by Tatum Stewart.
The Indians mounted a comeback in the second half with two PC goals from Deepika and Neha.
When the team needs a breakthrough, she delivers. 💪🏻Deepika finds the net with a powerful penalty corner, scoring the first goal of the match for our Indian Women's Hockey Team. 🇮🇳 #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame... @CMO_Odisha @IndiaSports @sports_odisha @Media_SAI @FIH_Hockey pic.twitter.com/RED9qwjWAX
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) June 14, 2025
India had the initial share of exchanges but couldn't breach the solid Aussie defence. In the ninth minute, Australia earned their first PC, but India defended.
In the 13th minute, India were denied by a superb double save from Aussie keeper Aleisha Power.
A minute into the second quarter, Schonell scored after a defensive lapse from India, an issue which has been plaguing the men's team as well, who have now lost five games in a row.
Six minutes later, Australia doubled their lead when Pickering found the net amid a goalmouth scramble. Australia dominated the first half and went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Australia were awarded another PC for a stick check, which resulted in a penalty stroke because of foot involvement and Stewart made no mistake, giving her team a 3-0 advantage.
The final quarter, however, belonged to India as they pressed hard on the Aussie defence and reduced the margin with their first PC, converted by Deepika.
India bagged two more successive PCs soon after, but wasted both chances. Eight minutes from the final whistle, India had another PC and this time Neha scored from a rebound after Deepika's flick was saved by the Aussie goalie.
Two minutes from full time, India had a great opportunity to equalise from a PC but squandered the chance. India will again play Australia on Sunday, June 15 at the same venue.
First Published:
June 14, 2025, 18:20 IST