ANTWERP (BELGIUM), MAY 26 :The Indian women’s hockey team concluded their FIH Pro League 2023-24 campaign in Belgium with a 3-0 defeat against world No. 2 Argentina in Antwerp on Sunday.

Argentina’s goals came from Celina Di Santo (1’), Maria Campoy (39’), and Maria Granatto (47′). This loss places India seventh on the FIH Pro League points table, with eight points from 12 matches. The team that finishes ninth will face relegation to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for the next season.

Argentina set the tone early, taking the lead in the first minute as Celina Di Santo deflected a shot from Maria Granatto into the goal, beating the Indian high press and penetrating the shooting circle. Despite initial struggles, India began to find their footing as the match progressed.

Indian forward Lalremsiami forced Argentine goalkeeper Clara Barberi into action after a low drive into the circle by Udita. However, Argentina dominated the second quarter, earning multiple penalty corners. Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam and captain Salima Tete managed to keep the score at 1-0 by halftime.

The third quarter saw Maria Campoy extend Argentina’s lead with a powerful run down the left wing, bulldozing into the Indian circle before slotting the ball past Indian keeper Savita Punia. India’s Navneet Kaur had a scoring opportunity in the final minute of the third quarter, but her tomahawk shot was saved by Barberi.

Argentina solidified their victory at the start of the fourth quarter when Maria Granatto directed Agustina Gorzelany’s flick over Savita Punia, following a penalty corner. Despite Argentina’s continued pressure, the match concluded with a 3-0 scoreline.
Looking ahead, the Indian women’s hockey team is set to face Germany in their next FIH Pro League match on Saturday.(UNI)