The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team continued their encouraging run on the ongoing Australian tour with a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Canberra Chill at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra.
Goals from Ishika (13’, 39’) and Sonam (27’) helped the visitors overturn an early deficit and register their second straight win, consolidating confidence ahead of their final fixture. The match began with the hosts drawing first blood. Canberra Chill capitalised on their early pressure when Naomi Evans converted a penalty corner in the 11th minute, handing her side a 1-0 advantage. For the Indian juniors, it was a reminder of the defensive lapses that had hurt them in earlier games on this tour.
However, unlike previous occasions, India’s response was immediate. Barely two minutes later, they earned a penalty corner of their own, and Ishika delivered with composure and accuracy. Her drag flick was timed to perfection, levelling the scoreline at 1-1 in the 13th minute and silencing the home crowd.
Sonam’s Timely Strike
The second quarter saw the game evenly poised, with both teams probing for openings. India gradually took control of possession, using pace and width to stretch the Australian defence. Their persistence paid off just before half-time. In the 27th minute, Sonam found herself in the right place at the right time after a flowing build-up. Showing excellent positioning, she slotted in a field goal to give India a 2-1 lead heading into the break.
This goal proved decisive in shifting momentum firmly towards the visitors, who went into the dugout buoyed by their turnaround after conceding first.
Ishika Completes Her Brace
The third quarter saw India tightening their grip on the contest. Their midfield pressed high, forcing turnovers and creating opportunities from quick transitions. In the 39th minute, India struck again through Ishika, who completed her brace. Another penalty corner proved fruitful, with Ishika’s execution once again clinical. Her second goal made it 3-1 in India’s favour, giving them a two-goal cushion and allowing them to dictate terms for the remainder of the game.
The final quarter saw Canberra Chill attempt to mount a comeback, pushing players forward in search of quick goals. But India’s defence, well-organised and alert, held firm. The backline cleared danger efficiently, while the midfield disrupted Canberra’s rhythm with timely interceptions. India managed the game with maturity, slowing down play when needed and holding possession to frustrate their opponents. By the closing minutes, it was clear the visitors had the match under control, and they celebrated a well-earned 3-1 victory at the final whistle.
This latest win marked India’s second consecutive victory on the tour, following their earlier success in Perth. Their overall record now stands at two wins and two defeats, a balanced return that highlights both the challenges and the progress of this young squad. The early defeats on tour had exposed areas of improvement, particularly in handling pressure and finishing chances. But the back-to-back wins demonstrate the team’s ability to learn quickly and adapt. Against Canberra Chill, India showcased resilience, tactical discipline, and sharp execution of set pieces qualities that will serve them well in international competitions.
Ishika was undoubtedly the star of the night, with her brace underlining her reliability as a penalty corner specialist. Her ability to convert under pressure gave India crucial goals at important moments of the match. Sonam’s strike just before half-time was equally significant. Not only did it give India the lead, but it also boosted the team’s confidence heading into the second half. Her performance reflected the growing depth in India’s forward line.
Meanwhile, credit must also go to the defensive unit, which stood tall after the early setback and denied Canberra any clear-cut opportunities once India took the lead.
India will now face Canberra Chill once again on October 2 in the fifth and final match of their tour. With both sides having tasted victories, the rematch promises to be a fitting finale. For India, it will be an opportunity to end their tour on a high, gaining invaluable experience against competitive Australian opposition. Beyond results, this tour has provided a platform for the juniors to test themselves in overseas conditions, learn from exposure to different styles of play, and build team cohesion. Head Coach and support staff have emphasised development and match sharpness, with performances like this one a positive sign of progress.
The 3-1 win over Canberra Chill was more than just another result; it was a reflection of the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team’s growth in resilience and maturity. Coming from behind to dominate the contest showed the squad’s ability to handle adversity, adapt quickly, and execute their plans effectively. With players like Ishika and Sonam stepping up, the future pipeline of Indian women’s hockey looks promising. As they prepare for the final tour match, the juniors will aim to build on their back-to-back wins and close out the series with momentum.
Final Score:
•Canberra Chill 1 (Naomi Evans 11’ PC)
•India 3 (Ishika 13’ PC, 39’; Sonam 27’ FG)
