New Delhi: The Sports Authority of India (B) team defeated the Him Academy by 3-2 in the Group A match of the Khelo India U-21 Women’s Hockey League 2021 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, on Thursday.
The first half began with SAI’s Reema Baxla scoring a penalty corner in the second minute. Though Him Academy tried pressurizing the opponent, they could not break through SAI’s defence. On the other hand, Mary Lotla struck a field goal right before halftime and gave SAI a 2-0 lead.
However, Him Academy began aggressively in the second half, with Taranpreet Kaur scoring a point within 4 minutes into the game. They were in the lead when opponent Vinamrata Yadav snatched the ball from Him and looped a reverse hit from the top of the circle.
Taranpreet Kaur managed a penalty corner in the fourth quarter of the second half, but the team failed to equalise the score. SAI (B) won their first match by 3-2.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurated the Khelo India U-21 Women’s Hockey League 2021 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, on Wednesday.
The Sports Authority of India and Hockey India jointly organised the first-ever national hockey league.
The ongoing tournament is between 14 participating teams in two groups from December 15 to 21, with a cash prize of Rs. 30 lakhs.
(Avya Mathur)