Indian women lose to Chi in Hawke's Bay Cup hockey

Hastings, April 11: The Indian women’s hockey team lost 1-2 to Chi in the opening match of the Hawke’s Bay Cup at the Hastings Sports Park here on Saturday.

While Anuradha Thokochom scored for India in the 31st minute, Mengyu Wang (34th) and Qian Yu (38th) gave Chi the victory in the eight-tion tourment.

Both the teams in their bid not to allow easy goals ensured a strong defence, resulting in the first two quarters being goalless. Real action was witnessed in the third quarter when India filly opened their account one minute into the third quarter. Immediately into the second half, India broke the shackles and scored as Anuradha slammed the ball past the New Zealand goalkeeper. Chi came roaring back to contention and equalised in the 34th minute when they earned a pelty corner that was converted by Mengyu. Stung by the equaliser, India counter attacked immediately. But Chi struck again in the 38th minute as Qian scored a field goal. The rest of the session saw India attacking and trying to look for the equaliser but failed to do so. Centre-half Ritu Rani-led India attacked in the last quarter, maintaining a good ball possession but were uble to equalise and lost the game 1-2.

In the next match on Sunday, India will take on the United States. IANS