The Indian women’s hockey team started off their tour of Australia with defeat, losing 3-5 against a clinical Australia A side at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Saturday. While India scored through Mahima Tete (27’), Navneet Kaur (45’), and Lalremsiami (50’), it was Neasa Flynn (3’), Olivia Downes (9’), Ruby Harris (11’), Tatum Stewart (21’), and Kendra Fitzpatrick (44’) who netted for Australia A in a winning cause.
The match saw the Indian women’s hockey team wearing black armbands during the match to mourn the innocent lives lost in the tragic Pahalgam attack on April 22. Hokey India stated that the women’s team will continue wearing black armbands for the remainder of the Australia tour as a mark of respect and remembrance for the victims and their families.
The match was played at a frenetic pace with some end-to-end action. It was initially Australia A who asserted early control. Fittingly, the hosts broke the deadlock through a well-constructed field goal by Neasa Flynn in the third minute itself. By 11 minutes into the game, the Australia home side were 3-0 up on the scoreboard, with Olivia Downes (9’) and Ruby Harris (11’) scoring in quick succession after capitalising on defensive lapses from the Indians.
In the second quarter, Australia A were relentless in their attacks, and made it 4-0 after earning back-to-back penalty corners, one of which was converted by Tatum Stewart in the 21st minute.
India’s valiant comeback
Despite the early onslaught, India showed resilience, and Mahima Tete (27’) pulled a goal back with a sharp field goal, injecting some energy into the Indian side as they headed into half-time trailing 1-4. The second half started with Kendra Fitzpatrick (44’) scoring their final goal of the day as Australia took a 5-1 lead.
The Indian team launched a counterattack and their efforts bore fruit when vice-captain Navneet Kaur (45’) found the back of the net, narrowing the gap to 2-5. In the final quarter, both teams continued to create scoring opportunities. India showcased their fighting spirit once again when Lalremsiami (50’) slotted home a fine field goal, keeping India’s hopes of a comeback alive. Despite some late pressure, India could not find the net again, and the match concluded with Australia A securing a 5-3 victory.
