The Indian women’s hockey team finished the three-nation competition with eight points from four games thanks to goals by Vandana Katariya, Monika, and Udita against Spain.
The Indian women’s hockey team won the three-nation Torneo del Centenario 2023 competition at Terrassa, Barcelona, on Sunday by a score of 3-0 over the hosts, Spain.
India maintained its unblemished record in the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation International Tournament 2023 thanks to goals from Vandana Katariya (22′), Monika (48′), and Udita (58′).
India, which is currently ranked ninth in the FIH women’s hockey rankings, drew England 1-1 in the tournament opener before holding Spain to a 2-2 draw in the subsequent game. Lalremsiami’s hat-trick helped India defeat England 3-0 on Saturday, moving them to the top of the standings.
In order to knock India off the top rank, Spain needed to win on Sunday.
With their victory on Sunday, India took the lead in the standings after finishing with eight points from four matches, while Spain finished second to England with four points from the same number of games.
The Indian hockey team entered the game with good intentions, but despite having opportunities, they were unable to make a breakthrough in the opening period.
But in the second period, the tie was ultimately broken. India led 1-0 going into halftime thanks to a field goal by Vandana Katariya in the 22nd minute.
The seventh-ranked Spain and India both played strong defence in the third quarter. After receiving a green card at the conclusion of the second quarter, Monika returned to the field and scored a field goal in the 48th minute to double India’s lead.
In the closing 10 minutes of the game, Spain committed the numbers forward in an effort to find a response. However, with two minutes left before the final siren, Indian defender Udita made it 3-0 and ended the match.
The Asian Games 2023 will feature the Indian women’s hockey team from September 23 through October 8 in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China.
By Nishtha Dhoundiyal
