Breda, Netherlands: The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team began their Tour of Europe with a commanding 2-0 victory over the Netherlands’ club Bredase Hockey Vereniging Push in Breda. Goals from Hina Bano and Kanika Siwach secured the win for India.
The match started with both teams actively seeking opportunities through penalty corners, yet the first quarter ended goalless. India, determined to set a positive tone for their campaign, found it challenging to convert their chances. The second quarter mirrored the first, with India unable to capitalize on three penalty corners, leaving the scoreline unchanged at halftime.
The breakthrough came in the third quarter when India was awarded a crucial penalty corner. Hina Bano stepped up and successfully converted, giving India a 1-0 lead. Despite aggressive attempts by Bredase Hockey Vereniging Push to find an equalizer, their three penalty corners in the third quarter yielded no goals, maintaining India’s advantage.
In the final quarter, the Indian team solidified their triumph as Kanika Siwach netted the second goal, doubling India’s lead. The Indian defensive unit displayed resilience, maintaining a clean sheet in the closing minutes and securing the victory.
The Indian Junior Women’s team will next face Belgium in Breda on 22 May, continuing their European tour with high hopes following this impressive start.