The Indian women's hockey squad suffered a disappointing 0-3 loss at Kalinga Stadium against Australia, who are ranked second globally. This marks their third loss in a row during the FIH Hockey Pro League and represents a low point for the hosts, who failed to find the back of the net for the first time in this tournament. The team must now address their basic errors before their next match against the 12th-ranked USA team on Friday, February 9.
The Indian women’s hockey team suffered a humiliating 0-3 loss to second ranked Australia, completing a hat-trick of defeats in the FIH Hockey Pro League at Kalinga Stadium. It was another demoralizing defeat for the hosts who failed to score a single goal for the first time in the tournament. Women in Blue will have to work on their basics before they face 12th ranked USA in their next encounter on February 9, Friday.
Australia's win on Wednesday night was powered by goals from captain Grace Stewart (19'), Tatum Stewart (23'), and Kaitlin Nobbs (55'). India started the contest with a strong offensive drive, nearly scoring from a penalty corner in the second minute, but they were denied by an impressive save from Australian goalkeeper Zoe Newman.
As the match progressed, both teams had several chances to score, but neither could convert. Australia began to dominate the pace as the first quarter wound down, though the Indian defense stayed resilient. In the second quarter, while India was still searching for a breakthrough, Australia launched a rapid counter-attack; Nobbs broke open in the shooting circle and squared the ball to Stewart, who finished it for the opening goal.
Despite efforts to create high-quality chances, the Indian players struggled to finish their plays inside the striking circle. Australia almost doubled their lead shortly after through a fast break by Amy Lawton, but Indian keeper Bichu Devi Kharibam stepped up with a crucial block. However, halfway through the second quarter, Australia earned a penalty corner, and a powerful drag-flick from Stewart made it 2-0.
India attempted to fight back by winning two penalty corners, but they couldn't make either one count. During the third quarter, the Hockeyroos played a more conservative game, comfortably defending their lead as India struggled to find any gaps in the Australian formation. India had one last chance to close the gap in the final minute of the quarter, but Udita's shot went wide, leaving Australia with a two-goal cushion.
The final quarter saw India pushing desperately for a comeback. They earned a penalty corner two minutes into the final period, but Udita missed the target again with a variation play. Shortly after, Mumtaz Khan had another opportunity from a penalty corner, but India failed to convert yet again. With only five minutes remaining, Nobbs managed to slip the ball past Savita to make it 3-0, capping off a dominant performance by Australia.