Indian eves stun 10th ranked Japan 3-2

Indian team finished their campaign with a fine win over Japan

The Indian hockey eves wrapped up their campaign in the Hawke’s Bay Cup on a splendid note, contriving a superb come-from-behind 3-2 win over tenth ranked Japan in Hastings, New Zealand. India – the lowest ranked side in the tournament at number 13 – were expected to find the going tough against the higher ranked Japanese eves, who had held hold hosts and world number four New Zealand to a 2-2 draw in their tournament opener, but the script seemed folded the Japanese way when they took an early goal through Mie Nakamisha in the 4th minute. The Redshirts consolidated their position in the second quarter with Yukari Yamamoto making it 2-0.

Just when it seemed that India were slowly being put out of the contest, Sushil ignited hope reducing the deficit two minute before half-time to keep their team in the match. Both teams went hard at each other in the third quarter, but no were goals leaving the fourth and final quarter interestingly poised. Vice-captain Deepika scored a fine goal to equalize in the 54th minute to leave the Japanese jittery in the closing stages and Rani Rampal notched up a fabulous goal to give a magnificent 3-2 win, which allowed them to avoid the wooden spoon.

India had earlier lost to eight ranked USA 0-3 in a classification tie. They had lost to hosts and fourth ranked New Zealand 1-4 in the semifinals. The Ritu Rani-led side had lost to fifth ranked China 1-2, 2-4 to USA and registered a fighting goalless draw against world number two Australia in the league phase.

India are fine-tuning their preparations for the Hockey World League Round Semifinals to be held in June in Brasschaat, Belgium.