Bhubaneswar: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team put up a spirited fight but succumbed to a 2-4 defeat against defending champions the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Monday. Udita (18’, 42’) stood out for India with a stunning brace, but goals from Felice Albers (34’, 47’), Emma Reijnen (7’), and Fay van der Elst (40’) secured a convincing victory for the Dutch side.
The match held special significance as Savita Punia, India’s veteran goalkeeper and captain, played her 300th international match. She was honored before the game by legendary former Indian men’s team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, marking the milestone achievement in her illustrious career.
Netherlands Dominate Early, India Fights Back
The Netherlands asserted their dominance right from the start, keeping India on the back foot with relentless attacks. In the 7th minute, Emma Reijnen capitalized on a rebound from Fay van der Elst’s blocked shot, smashing home a powerful reverse strike to give her side the lead.
India responded with energy and earned their first penalty corner in the same minute but failed to convert. Savita made a crucial save in the 10th minute to deny Trijntje Beljaars, keeping India in the game. Towards the end of the first quarter, Lalremsiami won another penalty corner, but Rutaja Dadaso Pisal’s effort narrowly missed the target.
Udita Strikes, But Netherlands Regain Control
India found their equalizer in the 18th minute through an intelligently worked penalty corner. Deepika played a deceptive pass to Udita, who expertly deflected the ball into the net, bringing India level at 1-1. The Netherlands, however, continued their aggressive play but failed to capitalize on a penalty corner opportunity in the 25th minute, ending the half at a deadlock.
The third quarter saw an explosion of goals, with three strikes in quick succession. The Netherlands reclaimed the lead in the 34th minute when Matla Enderique’s shot was blocked by Savita, only for Felice Albers to pounce on the rebound and slot it home.
The Dutch extended their advantage in the 40th minute after Joosje Burg’s brilliant dribble down the right flank set up Fay van der Elst, who lunged forward to deflect the ball past the Indian defense, making it 3-1.
India refused to back down and won multiple penalty corners in quick succession. Their persistence paid off in the 42nd minute, when Udita once again converted from a penalty corner, bringing the score to 3-2 and keeping India’s hopes alive.
Albers Seals Victory for Netherlands
The Netherlands sealed the win in the 47th minute, with Albers once again showcasing her skill, dribbling past Indian defenders and executing a reverse stick shot that found the net, extending their lead to 4-2.
In the dying moments of the match, Dutch captain Pien Sanders forced a save from India’s substitute goalkeeper Bichu Devi, but India struggled to find space under intense Dutch pressure. The Netherlands effectively closed out the game, securing a well-earned victory.
Despite the loss, India displayed resilience and promise, with Udita’s goal-scoring form, Savita’s leadership, and Bichu Devi’s late heroics being the standout performances. The team will now look to regroup and bounce back stronger in their upcoming matches in the FIH Pro League.
