After losing their first match 1-2, via shootout, in the FIH Women Pro League against Germany, host India bounced back to win the second game 3-0, also in shootout, to avenge the earlier defeat and take the bonus point at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha today.

Felicia Wiedermann put Germay in an advantegious position, scoring the first goal of the match in the 29th minute. India equalised through a field goal by Nisha in the 40th minute.

Fielding a team of U-21 players, Germany missed a golden opportunity to take an early lead as Jette Fleschütz wasted a penalty stroke wth the ball hitting the post.

The shoot out was a reverse image of the day before. This time it was India who looked the more confident and they quickly took an unassailable 3-0 lead through the excellence of Savita and the calmness of the scorers: Tete Salima, Kumari Sangita and Sonika.

Speaking after the game, Player of the Match, Navneet Kaur (India), said: “I am very happy, we did very well and worked hard over both matches.” For the record, the Indian team management chose to keep vice-captain and experienced defender Deep Grace Ekka and her Odisha statemate Mariana Kujur confined to the bench for the second consecutive match.

The result means India move to second position in the league table behind Argentina and ahead of Netherlands. Germany remain in sixth position just one point behind Spain. FIH Pro League action continues at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 19 March when India men host Argentina men.
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PHOTO: Action from the FIH Women Pro League between India and Germany at Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 13th March 2022.