India Defeats USA 3-2 In Nations Cup Opener

AUCKLAND- The Indian women’s hockey team came from two goals down to defeat the United States 3–2 in its opening Pool A match of the FIH Women’s Nations Cup on June 15.

The United States took control early, with Ashley Sessa scoring in the fourth minute and Madeleine Zimmer converting a penalty corner three minutes later to make it 2–0.

India responded in the second quarter. Drag-flicker Deepika converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute before adding a second from another penalty corner in the 24th minute to level the score.

Navneet Kaur then converted a penalty corner in the 28th minute to give India a 3–2 lead before halftime.

Neither side managed another goal after the break. India and the United States earned six penalty corners each, but both defenses held firm through the final two quarters.

The win moved India into second place in Pool A with three points, level with Japan, which leads the standings on goal difference.

The Nations Cup winner will earn promotion to the FIH Pro League, which India dropped out of last season. (IANS)