India’s women’s hockey team delivered a spirited comeback against World No. 2 Argentina in the FIH Pro League, clawing their way back from a two-goal deficit to level the match 2-2 by full time
Summary : India staged a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 against world No. 2 Argentina in the FIH Pro League, earning a crucial point. Trailing 0-2 after Agustina Gorzelany’s penalty corners, India struck back in the final quarter with goals from Navneet Kaur (50’) and Deepika (56’). However, the shootout proved forgettable as India missed all four attempts, while Argentina converted twice to claim the bonus point. Controversy surrounded the umpiring, particularly a non-awarded stroke in the shootout. Despite the loss, India’s resilience and late fightback were major positives from the match.
Despite the result, India walked away with a crucial point for their efforts during regulation.
Argentina Start Strong, Gorzelany Strikes Twice
Argentina began the match on the front foot, showcasing the attacking quality and penalty corner efficiency that has made them one of the most feared sides in world hockey. It was drag-flick specialist Agustina Gorzelany who gave the South Americans their early cushion, converting two penalty corners with precision and power.
India struggled for rhythm early on, with their midfield and defence under continuous pressure. The early phases were largely spent defending deep and trying to clear lines, with the Indian forward line unable to build any meaningful possession. Gorzelany’s brace looked to have put Argentina in complete control, and it seemed a long road back for India as they entered the final quarter two goals down.
India’s Stunning Comeback in Q4
But the final 15 minutes saw a transformed Indian unit.
In the 50th minute, Navneet Kaur brought India back into the game with a sharp field goal—cutting through the Argentine backline and finishing with composure. The goal came at a time when India desperately needed momentum, and it gave the team belief that a result was still possible.
Just six minutes later, forward-turned-PC-specialist Deepika struck again. Earning a penalty corner herself with some intelligent positioning and ball control, she stepped up and delivered a brilliant drag-flick into the bottom corner to level the scores at 2-2. Her emergence as a consistent penalty corner taker has been one of the highlights of India’s recent matches, and her composure under pressure was on full display.
From 0-2 down to 2-2, India had flipped the narrative—and with four minutes remaining, the match was wide open.
Controversy and Shootout Disappointment
As the final hooter sounded, the match went into the shootout to determine who would take home the extra point. Unfortunately for India, the joy of the comeback didn’t carry over into the tiebreaker.
All four Indian attempts in the shootout were unsuccessful, with none of the players able to convert. Argentina, meanwhile, managed to slot home two of their four attempts, taking the shootout 2-0 and earning the bonus point. India’s shootout woes continued, a growing concern for the coaching staff heading into crucial stages of the Pro League.
The shootout, however, was not without controversy. A critical moment came when Lalremsiami appeared to be brought down inside the circle during her attempt—an infringement that many believed should have been awarded as a penalty stroke. However, the umpires waved play on, denying India what could have been a lifeline.
Several Indian fans and analysts voiced their discontent online, citing questionable decisions not just in this match, but also in the previous game involving India. The frustration around inconsistent umpiring standards is growing, especially in matches involving closely-contested decisions that could alter outcomes.
What This Means for India
While India may rue missed chances in the shootout and some controversial calls, the point earned from the 2-2 regulation draw is a valuable one in the larger context of the FIH Pro League standings. Facing a team ranked far above them, and coming from 0-2 down in the final 10 minutes, shows the grit and growing maturity of this Indian side.
Navneet’s leadership in attack and Deepika’s continued rise as a dependable drag-flicker are clear positives. The defensive shape in the second half also held up under sustained pressure, and India’s ability to counter quickly was evident in both goals.
India may not have walked away with the full reward, but they left the pitch with their heads held high. Matches like these will be crucial in shaping the team’s identity ahead of the next big international cycle. If anything, this was a performance that signals India’s intent and growing belief that they can challenge the world’s best.
Argentina will be pleased with the bonus point, but they were made to work hard for it. For India, the next step is to ensure their shootout performances improve, and to convert promising regulation-time play into full three-point wins.
Full-Time Score: India 2-2 Argentina
Shootout Result: Argentina 2-0 India
India Goals: Navneet Kaur (50’), Deepika (56’)
Argentina Goals: Agustina Gorzelany (2 PC goals)
Shootout Misses: India – ❌❌❌❌
Argentina – ❌✅❌✅
India now moves forward with renewed confidence, and plenty to build upon.
