Indian women’s junior hockey team beat Chile senior side 2-1, ends tour undefeated

Santiago (Chile): The visiting Indian women’s junior hockey team defeated the Chile senior side 2-1 in sixth and final match here at the Prince of Wales Country Club, to end the tour unbeaten. 

Forward Beauty Dungdung’s brace scored in the 6th and 26th minutes gave India a much deserved win while the lone goal for the hosts was scored by Francisca Tala (40th) on Sunday.

The Indian junior women’s team started proceedings on the front-foot as they created pressure on their hosts, and open the scoring in the 6th minute, with talented young forward Beauty Dungdung converting a beautiful team move.

The early advantage worked in India’s favour as they maintained the pressure on their opponents and ended the first quarter with a 1-0 lead.

The second period also saw India create opportunities, and get rewarded for their efforts as Beauty scored again, but this time through a penalty corner in the 26th minute to extend India’s lead to two goals.

India’s dominance, however, was under threat just two minutes later when Chile were awarded a PC for an infringement inside the striking circle by the visitors but India’s defensive skills came to their rescue.

It was Chile’s turn to dominate proceedings in the third quarter, as they piled pressure on the Indian defense by keeping possession. It was only in the 40th minute that the hosts were able to make use of their dominance as they pulled a goal back through Francisca Tala, who finished off a team move.

Chile’s senior team tried to force its way back into the match in the last quarter as well, but India showed resilience and grit to avoid conceding an equalizer. With six minutes remaining on the clock, Chile had a glimmer of hope to score through a PC but India maintained a solid back-line to keep the score at 2-1 in their favour.

With their narrow victory in the sixth and final match, the young Indian team returns to the country with an undefeated streak, winning five and drawing one game. (UNI)