Indian women’s hockey team loses 1-3 to Netherlands in first Test

After beating hosts South Africa 3-0 in a four-match series in Cape Town, the Indian women’s hockey team lost 1-3 to world No.1 Netherlands in a hard-fought match on Monday.

The Indian hockey team, ranked eighth, is scheduled to play three matches against world No. 1 the Netherlands as part of its 2023 tour of South Africa.

Riding on their good form following their 3-0 series win over South Africa, India got off to a strong start with youngster Beauty Dungdung scoring a brilliant field goal in the 24th minute of the match.

While the 1-0 lead gave the Savita Punia-led India a head start, the lead didn’t last long with the Netherlands scoring an equaliser in the 29th minute as Felice Albers converted a penalty corner with authority,

Both teams went toe-to-toe with each other in the third quarter but neither team managed to add to the scoreline. With scores level at 1-1, Netherlands went up a gear in the final quarter, scoring two important goals through Yibby Janssen and Freeke Moes to win it 3-1.

The Indian women’s hockey team will play the Netherlands in the second match of the ongoing series on Thursday.