Commonwealth Games: Indian women's hockey register their second win with a 3-1 win over Wales
The Indian women's hockey squad continued their Commonwealth Games campaign with a 3-1 victory against Wales in their second match at the University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on July 30
Womens hockey India (IND)Within the regulation time, Vandana Katariya in the 26th and 48th minutes and Gurjit Kaur in the 28th minute were the goalscorers for India. In contrast, Xenna Hughes, in the 45th minute, was the lone goal scorer for Wales.
The Indian squad started the opening quarter aggressively, with their impressive win over Ghana still fresh on their minds. They got a penalty corner in the match's first minute but failed to convert.
India continued their back-to-back attacks and broke into the Welsh circle eight times, creating several opportunities to gain a lead. However, the first quarter ended goallessly.
The Welsh defensive line stood firm in front of consecutive attacks by the Indian attackers. Indian remained persistent and finally broke in the 26th minute when Vandana Katariya deflected a shot by Gurjit Kaur to make it 1-0 for India.
Just two minutes later, Gurjit doubled the lead for India with an excellent penalty corner flick. The first half ended with a 2-0 lead for India.
Indian began the second half with firm ball control to mount pressure on Wales. They got a penalty corner, but the defensive line of Wales denied India the opportunity and launched a counterattack. Xenna Hughes narrowed the deficit for Wales in the ending moments of the third quarter with a powerful shot from a penalty corner.
India burst into action immediately in the final quarter with renewed vigour and motivation. Vandana Katariya proved her attacking prowess by deflecting Monika's penalty corner flick to make it 3-1. They continued to dominate Wales in the ending moments of the match but failed to widen the lead further.
India will lock horns with England in their next Pool A match on August 2.