Indian junior women win shootout against Uruguay
Rosario
The Indian junior women’s hockey team won 3-1 in a shootout against Uruguay after a 2-2 draw during regular time. This match was part of the Four Nations Tournament held in Rosario, Argentina.
India made a great start. Vice-captain Hina scored the first goal in the 10th minute. Lalrinpuii added another in the 24th minute, putting India ahead 2-0 at halftime. But Uruguay fought back in the final quarter. Ines de Posadas scored in the 54th minute and Milagros Seigal scored in the 57th to level the score at 2-2.
In the shootout, India stayed calm. Geeta, Kanika, and Lalthantluagi scored their chances. Uruguay only managed one goal in the shootout. This gave India a well-earned win.
Before this, India lost to Chile in another shootout after a 2-2 draw. Sukhveer Kaur and Kanika Siwach scored for India in that game. Chile’s Jacinta Solari and Laura Muller scored for their team. Chile won the shootout 3-1.
India began the tournament strongly. On May 25, they beat Chile 2-1 with goals from Sukhveer and Kanika. On May 26, they beat Uruguay again, 3-2. Kanika scored twice in the last quarter.
India also faced hosts Argentina in their third match. That game ended 1-1. Kanika scored for India. In the shootout, Lalrinpuii and Lalthantluangi helped India win 2-0.
So far, India has not lost any match in regular time. Their strong team spirit and skillful shootouts have kept them going. The young Indian team is showing a lot of promise in the tournament.