Like a whiff of fresh air on a cold, wintry Sunday evening in Ranchi, the Indian women’s hockey team showed pluck and poise to flummox New Zealand 3-1 in a Pool B match of the FIH hockey qualifiers for the Paris Olympics.
After the poor performance against the United States of America on Saturday, this looked like another Indian side on view. Energy, enthusiasm and effectiveness – all the ingredients were on view as the girls in blue pumped in goals through Sangita Kumari, Udita Duhan (penalty corner) and Beauty Dungdung. The reducer for the Kiwis was scored by Megan Hull.
There was emotion on view as the national anthem was played before the start of the match. The Indian girls were singing the anthem, eyes focused, a prayer in their hearts. The way they pumped in goals early was a treat to watch. It took the pressure off, and this kind of full-press game was what was needed.
If Saturday was about nerves and lack of creativity, on Sunday, Salima Tete shone like a beacon as she made forays into the rival circle. To say that she was busy all the time would be stating the obvious. This young girl from Jharkhand has been a key player for India in the last three years or so.
She shone in the last Olympic qualifiers in 2021 and also did well in the Tokyo Olympics, where India finished fourth. Yet, what was even more beautiful to watch was Sangita Kumari in her element. The nuances of modern hockey were on full view, as Salima and Sangita composed a few themes with the stick.
The first two quarters were fast and furious. At the half-time break, coach Janneke Schopman’s eyes lit up as she spoke to the TV crew. She had a plan to win. It worked. In the third quarter, New Zealand did make forays into the Indian zone, but there was safety strategy in play from the Indian backline. Needless to say, the presence of Savita Punia, bubbly goalkeeper and captain, was also a factor.
In the fourth quarter, too, India had control. They did not want for ball possession, nor did they let the Kiwis launch counterattacks.
“Yes, this Indian side looked so refreshing,” said Zafar Iqbal, former India captain and coach. “I think the girls played without pressure and this is the way to play. Our girls knew there was a lot at stake as a loss would have ruined our qualifying plans.”
To be sure, the crowd support was also a factor which helped India. For once, none could say the absence of injured Vandana Katariya meant India had no playmaker. The girls on view played with passion and good energy. It definitely puts them in a better position now, though winning the last pool match against Italy on Tuesday is imperative.
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