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India under-21 eves win four-nation hockey

India's under-21 women's hockey team brought some cheer to Indian hockey yesterday, as it won the Under-21 Four-nation tournament, organised by the United States Field Hockey Association, at the Kean University, Union, N.J. from June 23-27.

England, Chile and the United States were the other nations which participated.

India and England qualified to play in the final after emerging on top of the four-team league.

In the final yesterday, India started well, with Surinder Kaur scoring a field goal in the eighth minute. The English girls tried hard to equalise, but where kept at bay by the Indians, who led 1-0 at the half-time.

England started the second half with much determination and equalised in the 46th minute through a penalty-corner conversion by Lisa Wooding.

Thereafter, it was a ding-dong battle for supremacy. India got the match-winner in the 71st minute, when Mamta Kharab scored a good field goal.

The United States defeated Chile 2-1 to take the third palce.

Earlier on Saturday, India made sure of a place in the final after routing Chile 10-0.

After leading 2-0 at half-time, India erupted with eight second half goals, including three by Kiran Bala.

Indeed, it was a deserving title triumph, as India started the tournament badly, going down to England 0-1. They did well to come back strongly in the second game and beat the hosts 5-1. After that, there was no looking back.

The Indians took a while to adjust to the bounce on the artificial turf, which is a little different from the astroturf nowadays used for hockey.

The Kean University grounds only had the surface that is used for American football. It was little bouncy and the players had great difficulty in controlling the ball in the opening match against England. But as the tournament progressed they adapted well.

The Indians scored 17 goals in four matches, out of which 13 were field goals.

The Indian team was coached by P P Anthony, while Pushpa Pradhan was the captain.