New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team beat Poland 3-1 in the final to emerge Hockey World League (HWL) Round 2 champions at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Sunday.
India scored through Vandana Katariya (15th minute), Rani Rampal (44th) and skipper Ritu Rani (59th), while Poland got their goal from Oriana Walasek (17th).
With this win, India qualified for HWL Round 3. If they finish within the top six in Round 3, they will qualify for the Rio Olympic Games 2016. Runners-up Poland also advanced.
A determined India attacked from the beginning to exert early pressure on the opponents. Just four minutes into the game, India were awarded a penalty corner, but they failed to make the most of it.
Two minutes later, Rani hit at the circle, where Anupa Barla was waiting for the touch, but the Polish goalkeeper was quick to avert the danger. With five minutes left in the first quarter, India had another shot at a penalty corner but Poland goalkeeper cleared the ball easily.
With seconds left for the first quarter to end, India finally struck when a beautiful backhand strike from Katariya left no chance for the Poland goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Poland equalised in the 17th minute as they attacked and got a penalty corner that was converted with a variation strategy by Walasek.
With the game tied at 1-1, both teams tested each other’s defence in the third quarter. With four minutes left to the end of the third session, Poland were awarded a penalty corner, but Natalia Wisniewska hit the post.
It was the Indian eves who broke the deadlock through a field goal from Rani in the 44th minute.
Half-way into the fourth quarter, Poland got another shot at a penalty corner and an opportunity to level the scores, but the goal was averted by the Indian defence.
India counter-attacked immediately and skipper Ritu, playing in her 200th international match, scored in the 59th minute, taking the score to 3-1.
This win was India’s sixth consecutive victory in the tournament as they remained unbeaten.
Hockey India high performance director Roelant Oltmans said: “In the first quarter we played astounding hockey. The way Rani scored her goal was brilliant and it’s not everyday someone scores a goal like that.
“We had pressure on us in the third quarter but we came back strong. The team has a very good understanding on the field and they did a great job.”
