The Indian women’s hockey team fought hard but ultimately lost 4-2 to world No. 1 Netherlands in the Women's FIH Pro League at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Monday.
Udita Scores Twice, But Netherlands Dominates
India showed great spirit. However, the Netherlands, reigning Olympic, world, and FIH Pro League champions, proved too strong. Udita (18’, 42’) scored both goals for India. Meanwhile, Felice Albers (34’, 47’), Emma Reijnen (7’), and Fay van der Elst (40’) secured the win for the Dutch side.
Savita Celebrates 300th International Match
Goalkeeper Savita played her 300th international match. Therefore, former Indian men’s team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh honored her before the game.
Netherlands Starts Strong
Right from the start, the Netherlands controlled possession. Their aggressive play paid off in the seventh minute. Fay van der Elst took a shot, and although it was blocked, Reijnen quickly reacted and scored with a reverse strike.
Meanwhile, India tried to respond right away. They won a penalty corner in the same minute but failed to score. In the 10th minute, Trijntje Beljaars raced towards goal. However, Savita made a stunning save. Towards the end of the first quarter, India earned another penalty corner, but Rutaja Dadaso Pisal missed narrowly.
India Equalizes
In the second quarter, India improved significantly. As a result, they found the equalizer in the 18th minute. Deepika delivered a clever pass to Udita, who struck the ball into the net after a deflection.
Later, the Netherlands had a chance to regain the lead with a penalty corner in the 25th minute but failed to execute their set play.
Action-Packed Third Quarter
The third quarter brought end-to-end action and three goals. In the 34th minute, Matla Enderique’s shot was blocked by Savita. However, Albers pounced on the rebound to score.
Six minutes later, the Netherlands extended their lead. Joosje Burg dribbled along the right wing and sent a precise pass to Elst, who dived in and scored.
Despite trailing, India fought back, winning multiple penalty corners. Eventually, their efforts paid off in the 42nd minute when Udita converted a penalty corner, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
Albers Seals the Victory
Nevertheless, the Netherlands struck again just two minutes into the fourth quarter. Albers dribbled past India’s defense and fired a reverse stick shot into the goal, restoring the two-goal lead.
As the match neared its conclusion, Dutch captain Pien Sanders tested India’s defense with a powerful shot. However, substitute goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a superb save. In the final moments, the Netherlands pressed high and limited India’s space, ensuring their victory.
India’s Next Challenge
India will get a chance for revenge when they face the Netherlands again in their next FIH Pro League match on Tuesday.
