After starting off their FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22 campaign with a thumping 7-1 win over China, India continued their winning run in the tournament, defeating China 2-1 in their return-leg match at the Sultan Qaboos Complex in Muscat, Oman today. Dragflicker Gurjit Kaur was the star of the Indian win, scoring both the goals.

Gurjit opened the scoring early in the third minute, converting a penalty corner. She converted another penalty corner in the 49th minute to enable India clinch the hard-fought win. Shumin Wang scored the sole goal for China in the 39th minute. With this win, debutants India climbed to the top of the points table, tied alongside The Netherlands with six points in two games.

Monika, who played an influential role in the match, was named Player of the Match. Janneke Schopman, the chief coach of the Indian team, however, did not seem satisfied with the margin of victory in the second match.

That is because the 33 circle penetrations by India only yielded six shots at goal. India also wasted five penalty corners. Indian women will next face off against The Netherlands at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on February 19th and 20th.
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PHOTO: Indian dragflick specialist Gurjit Kaur in action during their second FIH Hockey Pro League match against China in Muscat on 1st February 2022.