Hockey: India’s junior women team shine in 3-1 victory over Canberra Chill

Canberra: The Indian junior women’s hockey team clinched its second straight win on its Australia tour, defeating local side Canberra Chill 3-1 at the National Hockey Centre.

Naomi Evans (11’) put the hosts ahead with a penalty corner, but India struck back quickly as Ishika (13’) converted from a set piece to level the score. Sonam (27’) then fired in a field goal just before half-time to give India a 2-1 lead.

Ishika (39’) added her second midway through the third quarter, extending India’s advantage to 3-1. The visitors defended solidly in the final stages to seal the victory.

With two wins and two losses so far, India will face Canberra Chill once again on October 2 in their final match of the tour.

The squad, captained by Jyoti Singh and coached by former India international Tushar Khandker, is using the tour as preparation for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, scheduled for December in Santiago, Chile.

Earlier this year, the Indian juniors had an impressive tour of Europe, where they defeated Belgium three times, beat Australia once and narrowly lost to the Netherlands in a shootout.

The Australia trip is seen as crucial exposure for the young side, offering the players valuable international match practice ahead of the World Cup.

IANS