Indian Women’s Hockey: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team closed out their tour of Australia on a triumphant note with a gritty 1-0 win against the hosts in the fifth and final match at the Perth Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
A moment of brilliance from vice-captain Navneet Kaur in the second quarter was all it took to seal a hard-fought encounter and restore a sense of pride in the camp.
After a challenging series that saw India drop four consecutive games two to the Australia A team and two to the senior side the Blue Tigresses showcased their trademark resilience and resolve in the finale. It was not just a victory, but a statement of intent ahead of a crucial calendar year packed with World Cup preparations and the FIH Hockey Pro League.
Australia came out of the blocks with intensity, pressing high and winning two penalty corners in the opening quarter. However, India’s defence stood firm, with goalkeeper and backline working in sync to keep the scoreboard untouched. The visiting side soaked up the pressure with composure, and it paid off in the 21st minute when Navneet Kaur broke the deadlock.
The field goal was a product of slick teamwork and quick thinking a precise pass was met with a clinical finish as Navneet slipped past her marker and slotted the ball home, giving India a valuable lead just before half-time.
The second half saw both teams battling hard in a tense midfield tussle. With the Aussies desperately seeking an equaliser and India cautious in their build-up play, chances were few and far between. Australia had a golden opportunity late in the final quarter when they won another penalty corner, but failed to convert once again as the Indian defence stood like a wall.
Captain Salima Tete led by example throughout, marshalling the troops with energy and composure. This tour, though riddled with defeats early on, offered coach Janneke Schopman and her team a valuable platform to experiment with combinations, test depth, and refine tactics.
The victory also offered a glimpse into the hunger and determination within the squad. Youngsters were blooded in, the leadership of Salima and Navneet shone brightly, and the backline proved they could hold their nerve under pressure against world-class opponents.
As India now turns its focus to the European leg of the Pro League and the looming World Cup, this morale-boosting win could not have come at a better time. A gritty end to the Australia tour and one that promises much more to come.