The Bhubaneswar leg of the Women’s FIH Pro League 2023-24 concluded with the Indian Women’s Hockey Team securing a 3-1 triumph over the United States at Kalinga Hockey Stadium. Vandana Katariya (9’), Deepika (26’), and Samila Tete (56’) netted goals for India, while Sanne Caarls (42’) scored for the United States.
India initiated the game with a penalty corner opportunity, but Deepika’s drag flick missed the target. United States retaliated swiftly, with Elizabeth Yeager’s shot saved by India’s Captain Savita. In the first quarter, Sangita Kumari’s attempt deflected off the goalkeeper to Vandana Katariya, opening the scoring for India.
- India’s two-time Olympian, hockey defender Deep Grace Ekka retires after 268 games
- Pakistan Hockey Team loses to New Zealand in Olympic qualifiers, fails to book Paris berth
- Indian women’s hockey coach Janneke Schopman here to stay despite Olympics qualifier debacle
The United States began the second quarter aggressively, yet Elizabeth Yeager’s shot missed. India responded with Salima Tete’s promising run, followed by Deepika’s goal. Despite a late penalty corner for the United States, Savita’s save maintained India’s 2-0 lead at halftime.
India dominated the third quarter, with Sharmila Devi’s drive and Navneet Kaur’s narrow miss from a penalty corner. However, Sanne Caarls narrowed India’s lead. In the final quarter, Deepika’s run set up Salima Tete’s goal, sealing India’s victory despite the United States’ efforts. The match concluded 3-1 in favour of India, demonstrating their resilience and tactical prowess.