Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: The Indian women’s hockey team narrowly lost 3-4 to Spain in an exhilarating FIH Pro League match held here on Tuesday.
India initially took the lead in the second quarter with a goal from Baljeeet Kaur in the 19th minute, but Spain quickly equalised through Sofia Rogoski in the 21st minute. Spain then moved ahead with a goal by Estel Petchame in the 25th minute of the same quarter.
In the third quarter, Sakshi Rana equalised for India with a goal in the 38th minute, followed by Rutaja Dadaso Pisal putting the home team ahead with a goal in the 45th minute, just before the end of the third quarter.
However, Spain made a remarkable recovery, scoring twice in the fourth quarter with goals from Estel in the 49th minute and Lucia Jimenez in the 52nd minute at Kalinga Stadium.
While India was unable to score in the final quarter, the visitors successfully converted two penalty corners. The match ended with a bit of drama as both teams had already lost their video reviews.
Notably, Baljeeet’s goal marked her first at the senior level. This match followed the Indian women’s team’s previous defeat against England in their last outing. (PTI)
