Advertisement
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Gears Up For Perth Challenge Against Australia
After facing two defeats at the hands of Australia A side, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team is set to face the senior team in their next three friendlies at the Perth Hockey Stadium on 1 May.
Advertisement
After facing two defeats at the hands of Australia A side, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team is set to face the senior team in their next three friendlies at the Perth Hockey Stadium on 1 May.
In the first match, India suffered a 3-5 defeat by the Australia A team. The Aussies took an early lead with four goals in the first half. India did well to reduce the deficit but couldn’t make a comeback over the next two quarters. Mahima Tete (27’), Navneet Kaur (45’), and Lalremsiami (50’) scored goals for India while Neasa Flynn (3’), Olivia Downes (9’), Ruby Harris (11’), Tatum Stewart (21’), and Kendra Fitzpatrick (44’) scored for Australia A.
Advertisement
In the second match, India suffered another blow with a narrow scoreline of 2-3. India took the lead through Jyoti Singh (13’), after which Australia A came back with goals from Evie Stansby (17’), Dayle Dolkens (48’), and Jamie-Lee Surha (52’). India’s second goal was scored by Sunelita Toppo (59’) but the visiting side couldn’t equalise in time.
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Up For Perth Challenge
India’s 26-member squad, led by Captain Salima Tete and Vice Captain Navneet Kaur, will now face a bigger challenge facing the senior team of Australia over the next three matches. The last time both sides met, India enjoyed a 1-0 victory during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023–24 and will look to obtain a similar result.
Reflecting on India’s performance in the tour so far, Chief Coach Harendra Singh stated, “In both the matches, we have conceded some soft goals which were disheartening, but apart from that, we have been very competitive. This is a test series so it is not about winning or losing, it is about the experience.”
“There are some players who have come out of the country to play for the very first time. I am giving the youngsters a chance to play so they are prepared to be the next generation,” he added.
Singh also reflected on trying new combinations for the matches coming ahead. “In the first two games, most of the players have had a chance to play and now we will try out the best combinations among players. I am looking forward to this because this is how we identify the players who can compete in the forthcoming Pro League matches in Europe. Before going to the World Cup next year, the new girls should play a minimum of 35 matches. That is the goal we keep in mind while preparing for such tournaments.”
Also Read: Hockey India’s Probable Squad For Senior Men’s National Coaching Camp: Check Who Made The Cut
Talking about his assessment of the young players in the team, the coach said, “Everyone is giving their heart and there is healthy competition within the team. The one girl who has caught my eye is Mahima Tete. She’s mobile, quick and has great potential.”
“Same for Pooja, Sujata, Ajmina and all the other young players. Everyone is working hard and trying to learn. The key is to play simple hockey and gain experience against tough opponents like Australia,” he concluded.
India vs Australia women’s hockey 2025 schedule
As per Indian Standard Times (IST)
- May 1, Thursday: India vs Australia – 2:40 PM
- May 3, Saturday: India vs Australia – 3:10 PM
- May 4, Sunday: India vs Australia – 3:10 PM
Advertisement