India beats China in Hockey Pro League opener

which came off the post. Indian Captain and Goalkeeper Savita was called into action for the first time in the 10th minute as China attempted to make their way back into the game. India doubled their advantage in the 12th minute through Neha, who finished from close range after Nisha’s skillful attacking foray from the left flank. The second quarter remained goalless, but India produced two good chances to go further ahead in the match. India led at halftime 2 – 0 with keeping the majority of the possession and making more circle penetrations compared to China. The Indian women’s team stretched their lead further after halftime through a brilliant effort by Vandana Katariya in the 40th minute. China reduced the deficit in the 43rd minute through a goal scored by Deng Xue. India then let the floodgates open with four goals coming their way in the final quarter. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam scored the first of her penalty strokes in the 47th minute by calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner. A minute later, India won the ball off China up high and worked an opening into the circle, which was finished at the far post with a tap in by Sharmila Devi in the 48th minute. Lalremsiami earned India’s second penalty stroke after showing exceptional skill and speed to beat her defender, which was converted by Gurjit Kaur as she rolled the ball into goal in the 50th minute. India won their third penalty stroke of the match in the 52nd minute, which was finished again by Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam as she nabbed a brace to end the game 7 – 1 in India’s favour. India will take on China again in the return leg on February 1.