BHUBANESWAR, Feb 26: In an exhilarating clash at the Kalinga Stadium, the Indian women’s hockey team achieved a stunning 2-1 shootout victory over the reigning World Cup champions and World No. 1 ranked Netherlands in the Women’s FIH Hockey Pro League.
The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw in regulation time, with India staging an impressive comeback from a two-goal deficit in the third quarter. The Netherlands had taken a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Captain Pien Sanders (17’) and Fay van der Elst (28’). However, the Indian team fought back valiantly, with Deepika scoring in the 35th minute and Baljeet Kaur finding the net in the 43rd minute to equalize.
The game saw the Netherlands dominate the first quarter, maintaining superior possession and creating several scoring opportunities, including multiple penalty corners. However, India’s defense, marshaled by the heroic efforts of goalkeeper Savita, denied them an early breakthrough. In the 17th minute, Sanders converted a penalty corner variation, giving the Dutch the lead. Elst doubled their advantage in the 28th minute, scoring off a diving finish from a pass by Luna Fokke.
India’s comeback began in the third quarter when Deepika displayed remarkable skill, dribbling past defenders and scoring with precision in the 35th minute. Baljeet Kaur then leveled the score in the 43rd minute with a clinical first-time strike from a pass by Sharmila Devi, sending the game into a dramatic final quarter.
In the final period, both teams battled fiercely for the winner, with the Netherlands creating multiple chances. However, Savita’s exceptional saves and the disciplined Indian defense ensured the match remained tied, forcing the game into a shootout.
In the shootout, India’s Deepika and Mumtaz Khan converted their attempts, while Savita’s crucial saves proved decisive, securing the victory for India.
The win over the world’s top-ranked team is a significant achievement for Indian women’s hockey, showcasing their resilience and growing strength on the global stage. In recognition of the remarkable victory, Hockey India announced a cash reward of Rs. 1 lakh for each player and Rs. 50,000 for each support staff member. This is in addition to the organization’s existing reward policy of Rs. 50,000 per victory.
The stunning upset highlights the rising prominence of Indian women’s hockey as they continue to make waves on the international scene.
