Did the Indian junior women’s hockey team fall to Australia U21 in their tour debut?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a thrilling opening match of their Australian tour, the Indian junior women’s hockey team narrowly lost 2-3 to Australia U21. The team showed resilience with goals from Lalthantluangi and Sonam, but fell just short as Australia clinched the win with a late penalty corner. This match sets the stage for future contests in their preparation for the World Cup.
Key Takeaways
- Narrow loss in opening match against Australia U21.
- Goals scored by Lalthantluangi and Sonam for India.
- Upcoming fixtures against Australia junior team and Canberra Chill.
- Preparation for FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025.
- This tour provides valuable exposure for the young squad.
Canberra, Sep 26 (NationPress) The Indian junior women’s hockey team faced a challenging match during their tour of Australia, narrowly losing 2-3 against the U21 squad at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra on Friday. Lalthantluangi (47') and Sonam (54') found the net for India, while Bianca Zurrer (36'), Evie Sransby (45'), and Sammy Love (59') scored for Australia.
The first half ended without any goals, as both teams struggled to gain the upper hand in a tightly contested match. In the 36th minute, Australia broke the deadlock with a penalty corner goal by Bianca Zurrer. They then doubled their lead with another penalty corner conversion by Evie Sransby in the 45th minute.
In the final quarter, India made a commendable comeback by netting two vital goals. Lalthantluangi successfully converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute, followed by a field goal from Sonam in the 54th minute, leveling the score. However, with just over a minute remaining, Sammy Love scored via a penalty corner, securing a tight victory for Australia.
The talented Indian team is set to participate in two more matches against the Australia junior women’s team on September 27 and 29, followed by two fixtures against Canberra Chill, a club in Australia’s premier Hockey One League, on September 30 and October 2.
Led by captain Jyoti Singh and coach Tushar Khandker, this tour serves as a critical preparation phase for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, scheduled for December in Santiago, Chile.
This tour is expected to offer invaluable exposure for the young Indian players, allowing them to sharpen their skills in an international setting against formidable opponents. Earlier in June, the team undertook a similar tour in Europe, where they faced Belgium, Australia, and the Netherlands, showcasing their talent with three consecutive wins against Belgium, a victory over Australia, and a narrow shootout loss to the Netherlands.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the determination and potential of the Indian junior women's hockey team. Despite the loss, their fight against a strong Australian U21 side reflects their growth and readiness for international competition. The upcoming matches offer a valuable opportunity for development as they gear up for significant challenges ahead.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the match?
The Indian junior women’s hockey team lost 2-3 to Australia U21.
Who scored goals for India?
Lalthantluangi scored in the 47th minute and Sonam scored in the 54th minute.
When are the next matches for the Indian team?
The team will play two more matches against Australia on September 27 and 29, followed by matches against Canberra Chill on September 30 and October 2.
Who leads the Indian junior women's hockey team?
The team is captained by Jyoti Singh and coached by Tushar Khandker.
What is the significance of this tour?
This tour is crucial for the team's preparation for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025.
