Bhuvaneshwar: Following a nervy defeat in the campaign opener, the England women's hockey team bounced back stronger, securing a victory in the sudden death by 2-1 against India after the game resulted in a draw at 2-2 in regulation time at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday, February 16.
The FIH Pro League 2024-25 serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 men’s and women’s Hockey World Cups. The top-ranked team at the end of the season, not already qualified as a host or through the Pro League 2023-24, will earn a World Cup berth.
Navneet Kaur breaks the deadlock with a stunning strike!
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) February 16, 2025
Swipe through to relive the celebration and the energy on the field 🏑#FIHProLeague #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame
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.@cmo_odisha @sports_odisha @dptofsportsgoi @fihockey @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/kXaoNpaEGS
Navneet Kaur (53') and debutant Rutaja Dadaso Pisal (57') emerged as goal scorers for India, while Paige Gillot (40') and Tessa Howard (56') found the net for the opposition. Rutaja's equaliser helped India to force the penalty shootout.
Dream debut for Rutuja!
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) February 16, 2025
She finds the net in her first game, making it a night to remember!
🇮🇳 India 2️⃣ - 2️⃣ England 🇬🇧#FIHProLeague #IndvENG #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame
Both teams failed to dominate the game from the start. England kept the possession and created many chances, but to convert any. India displayed a solid defence led by goalkeeper Savita. In the second quarter, India earned multiple penalty corners but couldn't capitalize on them.
A sensational start for Rutuja,
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) February 16, 2025
She scored the crucial equalizer tonight against England to mark her debut for Sr. Women's team.
Indeed a dream start for her, wishing for more goals from her!#FIHProLeague #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame
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.@cmo_odisha @sports_odisha… pic.twitter.com/Mt67stjiW6
England opened their account in the 40th minute with a penalty corner goal from Gillot after a smooth delivery by skipper Sophie Hamilton. Navneet Kaur helped India nullify England's advantage when the Vice Captain scored an equalizer with a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute after a foul.
]After an end of yet another enthralling tie,
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) February 16, 2025
it's the English who take away the SO win after the game ended in a 2-2 draw at the of normal time.
Paige Gillot and Tessa Howard converted the penalty corners for England and gave them the lead twice but our girls fought back… pic.twitter.com/ulw9sFzplF
England again took the lead in the 56th minute after Tessa Howard smartly deflected the ball into goal. India didn't waste much time in equalising it, with Rutaja scoring her maiden international goal in the 57th minute.
The penalty shootout also resulted in a draw. Despite Savita's four saves, England won 2-1 in sudden death, securing an additional point with Hamilton's decisive strike.
