The Indian women’s hockey team he concluded FIH Pro League 2023-24 season with a 3-2 loss to hosts Great Britain at London’s Lee Valley Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
Lalremsiami (14′) and Navneet Kaur (23′) scored India’s goals while Watson Charlotte (3′) and Balsdon Grace (56′, 58′) got on the scoresheet for the hosts.
With eight straight losses, India women will finish eighth in the FIH Pro League 2023-24 standings with eight points from 16 matches. The United States, with four points, finished ninth and will be relegated to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup for next season.
World No.6 Great Britain were quick to take the initiative with Howard penetrating the shooting circle from the right wing and passing to Watson, who beat Savita Punia to give Great Britain an early lead.
The hosts then pinned India back in their own half. Towards the end of the quarter, India ranked ninth in women khaki ranking, equalized as Neha stepped into the penalty area and unleashed a low drive that was saved by Lalremsyami on goal.
India won a penalty corner in the last minute, but Udita’s effort went just wide of the post as the first quarter ended with the score tied at 1-1.
In the second quarter, Great Britain made two quick forays into the penalty circle, but failed to score. India responded by winning penalty corners in quick succession, forcing Great Britain goalkeeper Jessica Buchanan into action.
Halfway through the quarter, Baljeet Kaur unleashed a tomahawk from the top of the shooting circle which was converted by Navneet Kaur to give India the lead in the penultimate period of the match.
The third quarter began with India using high pressure as Mumtaz Khan won the ball high up the pitch and found Vandana Katariya free in the penalty area, but Jessica Buchanan made a stunning save from close range to deny the Indian.
Eight minutes into the quarter, Great Britain began to push India into their own half, but Savita and the Indian backline were proactive to prevent any danger.
Great Britain continued to press for an equalizer in the final quarter, but a combative India saw off any threats in their own end with a composed defence. However, with five minutes to go, the resistance collapsed.
Grace Balsdon converted a penalty corner to draw the home side level and stepped up again minutes later to head home another set-piece to complete a come-from-behind victory.