In a gripping contest, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team edged past England 3-2 in their opening match of the FIH Women’s Pro League at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday. Vice Captain Navneet Kaur sealed the win with a late strike. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phallke (6’), Deepika (25’), and Navneet (59’) scored for India, while Darcy Bourne (12’) and Fiona Crackles (58’) netted for England.
India’s improved penalty corner execution was evident, contributing two goals in a department that has often been a challenge.
The match began at a high tempo, with both teams finding the net in the first quarter. India struck first in the 6th minute after winning a penalty corner. Manisha Chauhan’s initial attempt was blocked by Tessa Howard, but Sushila Chanu latched onto the rebound and set up Vaishnavi, who smartly deflected it into the goal. After a brief review, the goal stood.
England equalized in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive slip. Vaishnavi lost possession inside the circle, allowing Maddie Axford to take a shot. Goalkeeper Savita made the save, but Darcy Bourne was quick to pounce on the rebound and level the score. Towards the end of the quarter, Tessa Howard’s powerful attempt was denied by Savita, keeping the score at 1-1.
The second quarter saw India dictating possession with precise passing, while England pressed aggressively. In the 25th minute, India won another penalty corner, and Deepika converted it brilliantly, marking her 50th international appearance with a crucial goal.
The third quarter was an intense back-and-forth battle, with India focusing on midfield control and England attacking from the flanks. Katie Curtis impressed for England with her stick work, but India’s defense held firm, intercepting key passes. In the 42nd minute, India earned another penalty corner, but Deepika’s powerful shot was stopped by the English goalkeeper.
England pushed hard in the final quarter, winning three consecutive penalty corners but failing to convert. Their persistence finally paid off in the 58th minute when Fiona Crackles equalized.
However, India hit back immediately. Just a minute later, Navneet Kaur fired a low shot from the edge of the circle, beating the goalkeeper to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory. The result earned India three valuable points, setting a strong tone for their campaign.