India take flight, stun New Zealand

PTI

Ranchi, January 14

India rose from the ashes to tame New Zealand 3-1 with a spirited performance in their second pool match of the FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifier to keep alive their hopes of securing a ticket to the Paris Games.

The Indians, who dropped a rung to seventh in the world rankings released on Saturday, did not have the best of starts in the tournament, losing to lower-ranked USA 0-1 in their opening Pool B match. In contrast, New Zealand registered an easy 3-0 win over Italy on Saturday.

But it was a complete turnover from the Indians on Sunday. Leaving behind the USA disappointment, the Indians produced all-round hockey and used every corner of the turf to build their attacks with short and crisp passes.

This was what India’s chief coach Janneke Schopman had pointed out after the USA match and the teamseemed to have listened to the Dutch coach, which was evident from the performance.

Salima Tete had a brilliant game and was involved in most of the Indian attacks with her quick runs and dribbling abilities.

India took the lead with their first attack within 41 seconds of the match through a field effort. Sangita scored from close range after she was set up by Tete, who broke through the New Zealand defence from the right flank with a brilliant run.

Stunned by the goal, the Black Sticks responded instantly and secured a penalty corner two minutes later but wasted the chance.

India earned their first PC in the 8th minute but Deepika’s hit was blocked by a New Zealand defender. The ball fell in front of Baljeet Kaur standing near the goal but she failed to get past Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon.

The Indians’ ploy to fall back a bit after the early lead backfired as New Zealand secured another penalty corner soon and Megan Hull this time converted the chance with a grounded shot to draw level.

But New Zealand’s leveller seemed to have woken up the home team who pressed hard and secured back-to-back penalty corners, the second of which was perfectly slammed in by Udita in the 12th minute.

The Indians continued their attacking intent and earned their fourth penalty corner soon but failed to capitalise on the opportunity.

But a minute from the end of the first quarter, India tripled their lead through Beauty Dung Dung.

“It was close to perfect. New Zealand is a difficult team to play against,” India’s chief coach Janneke Schopman said.

USA continued their impressive run, defeating Italy 2-0 to inch closer to the semifinals. USA are atop Pool B with two wins from as many games with India in third spot behind New Zealand on goal difference. India play Italy in their final pool match on Tuesday, while New Zealand will take on USA. — PTI

FIH defends decision to legalise betting

The international hockey federation (FIH) today defended its decision to partner with a Sweden-based betting firm for a four-year cycle, stating that it is a vehicle to generate funds for the development of the game. The FIH recently partnered with Spring Media to offer fans a betting package that includes all its events. The FIH said that legal betting is the way forward in the world of sport.

#New Zealand