Indian women finish seventh in Champions Challenge I hockey
India beat Azerbaijan 3-1 to finish seventh in the FIH Women's Champions Challenge I hockey at Dublin on Sunday.
India beat Azerbaijan 3-1 to finish seventh in the FIH Women's Champions Challenge I hockey at Dublin on Sunday.
Captain Saba Anjum (44th), Chanchan Devi Thokchom (49th) and Anuradha Devi (68th min) scored for India while Zhang Suleymanova (28th min) was on target for Azerbaijan.
India had trounced Azerbaijan 6-1 in their round robin pool match.
Both teams were slow in the first half with not many scoring opportunities coming their way.
India, however trailed 0-1 at halftime with Suleymanova scoring through a penalty stroke.
India came out stronger in the second half and immediately put Azerbaijan under pressure. Their efforts were rewarded in the 44th minute when Saba Anjum put in the only field goal of the game to equalise.
Five minutes later winger Chanchan Devi Thokchom gave the Indians the lead, converting a penalty corner.
India stood solid and were never really in danger of surrendering the lead. Anuradha Devi slammed another goal with two minutes left for the final hooter.