The Indian Women Team registered a comprehensive 4-0 win over the USA to secure third place on their debut FIH Hockey Pro League campaign in Rotterdam today. Odisha defender Deep Grace Ekka was part of the Indian team.

Experienced forward Vandana Katariya (39-PC, 54-FG) starred with a brace, while Sonika (54-FG) and Sangita Kumari (57-FG) scored a goal each to help India sign off the prestigious league on a high note ahead of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2022.

Indian women bagged the third position with a total of 30 points from 14 matches. They registered six outright wins and two via shoot out, suffered four outright defeats and two via shoot out. The two matches between India and England were cancelled due to Covid Pandemic. Six points of these two matches were awarded to India.

Indian women, in fact, won both of their matches against USA convincingly. Earlier in their first-leg match yesterday, India beat USA 4-2 at the same venue. India suffered an early setback as Danielle Grega gave USA the lead with a field goal in the 28th minute.

But India bounced back into the game in style, scoring three goals within nine minutes. After Deep Grace Ekka scored the equaliser, converting a penalty corner in the 31st minute Navneet Kaur (32-FG) and Sonika (40-FG) struck once each to give India a 3-1 lead.

Natalie Konerth reduced the margin for USA, converting a penalty corner in the 45th minute, Vandana Katariya restored the two-goal lead for India, scoring the fourth goal in the 50th minute (FG).

Deep Grace Ekka played a total of 12 matches and scored two goals in this edition of the FIH Pro League. Two more players from Odisha _ Namita Toppo and Mariana Kujur _ represented India in the FIH Pro League and both two matches each.
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PHOTO: Odisha woman hockey star Deep Grace Ekka in action during FIH Pro League 2022.