Indian women wrap up their European tour on a winning note
Indian women wrap up their European tour on a winning note Indian women's hockey team ended its six-match tour of Europe on a winning note defeating World Cup silver medalist Ireland 3-0 in the second and last Test on Sunday. After a 1-1 draw in in its previous match, a determined Indian women's hockey team notched up a sensational victory. Also Read: Asian Champions Trophy: India starts with a massive win in defence of its title Indian women started their last game with attacking strategy that paralysed the Irish defence. Right from the start as the Indian forward line made deep forays into the striking circle. It was Navjot Kaur who found the first breakthrough for India when she converted a splendid field goal in the 13th minute to help her team take a 1-0 lead. An Indian infringement in the second quarter saw Ireland being awarded a penalty corner. It was, however, was well-saved by India's defence. In the 26th minute, a timely assist by the experienced Deep Grace Ekka helped Reena Khokar double India's lead ahead of the 10-minute half-time break. India continued to maintain on field discipline in the second half. In a melee in the second half, it conceded another penalty corner to Ireland only minutes into the third quarter. But India's strong defence kept an Irish goal at bay. The final quarter saw India set up a powerful attack that fetched it a penalty corner which was well-converted by Gurjit Kaur who was the highest goal scorer for India on this Tour. Also Read: CBI arrests six persons including SAI director in bribery case "I am proud of the team because playing six matches in nine days can be very difficult and the last two matches we have played without our Skipper Rani who has a shoulder strain. Today we were particularly good as we controlled the whole match and had them in our circle only six times. We have played good structure, with good disciplined hockey. One of the things we have improved on this tour is personal leadership and taking responsibility. I am not only seeing the score, it's good to win 3-0 but I am happy with individual performances," expressed an elated Sjoerd Marijne, Chief Coach Indian Women's Hockey Team. India played 1-1 series against Spain as remaining two games had ended in draws and wrapped up the two-match series against Ireland 1-0 after the first game had ended in a 1-1 draw. -PTC News
