In a thrilling encounter at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, the Indian women’s hockey team narrowly fell to Spain 3-4 in the FIH Pro League 2024/25.
Despite leading 3-2 at the end of the third quarter, the young Indian side saw their momentum dissipate as Spain surged in the final period.
India’s campaign was spearheaded by a dynamic trio of young talents. Baljeet Kaur, 23, opened the scoring for the team in the 19th minute, setting the tone for an aggressive offensive display.
Spain struck back quickly through Sofia Rogoski in the 21st minute, leveling the contest. The Spanish pressure continued as Estel Petchame found the net in the 25th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage.
However, the Indian squad, known for its positive brand of hockey, wasn’t ready to back down. On her senior international debut, 17-year-old Sakshi Rana delivered an impressive goal in the 38th minute, igniting hope and showcasing her fearless approach against seasoned opponents.
Shortly after, 22-year-old Rutuja Dadaso Pisal capitalized on the momentum with a clinical finish in the 45th minute, propelling India into a 3-2 lead at the close of the third quarter. The performance of these young players underscored the potential that lies within this emerging team.
Yet, despite the fighting spirit and an exciting display of attacking hockey, defensive frailties began to show as the match progressed.
Spain, undeterred by the early setbacks, pressed hard in the final quarter. Estel Petchame struck again in the 49th minute, leveling the score and setting up a dramatic finish.
The turning point came in the 52nd minute when Spanish captain Lucia Jimenez netted the decisive goal, sealing a 3-4 victory over a valiant Indian side.
The match, filled with quick transitions and end-to-end action, was a testament to the youthful exuberance of the Indian team.
Their willingness to push forward and take risks was evident in every attack, promising an exciting future for Indian hockey. However, the game also highlighted significant defensive concerns that need to be addressed.
The inability to maintain composure during critical moments allowed Spain to capitalize on mistakes, ultimately costing India the win.
As the Pro League continues, the Indian team will need to fine-tune their defensive structure while retaining the attacking flair that has become their hallmark.
With a promising crop of young players eager to make their mark, the future of Indian women’s hockey looks bright, provided they can learn from this hard-fought encounter and evolve into a more balanced side.
