Indian women’s hockey team (Photo: @TheHockeyIndia) NEW DELHI: The Indian women’s hockey team finished runners-up in the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers after losing 2-0 to England on Saturday. Despite the defeat, India secured qualification for this year’s Women’s Hockey World Cup. England, ranked sixth in the world, showed their quality by scoring once in the first quarter and twice in the third.Indeed, India started the match strongly and created an early opportunity when Navneet Kaur won a penalty corner within the first two minutes. However, England’s goalkeeper kicked out the attempt. The Indian side continued to push forward in the opening half and managed several inroads into the circle but were unable to seriously trouble their opponents.England gradually settled into the game and took the lead in the 13th minute through Grace Balsdon who successfully converted a penalty corner with a drag. India kept trying to break through the English defence, but England remained disciplined and organized at the back and maintained a one-goal lead until half-time.With England dominating the second half, they controlled possession and dictated the tempo of the game. Their second goal came in the 43rd minute when Elizabeth Neal scored from open play. Her shot bounced off an Indian defender and went past goalkeeper Bichu Devi to double England’s lead.India attacked in the final quarter and even earned a late penalty corner but failed to convert. England remained confident and avoided sitting defensively, preventing India from making a comeback.Along with champions England and runners-up India, Scotland also qualified for the World Cup after beating Italy 1-0. The upcoming Women’s Ice Hockey World Championship will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 14 to 30, along with the men’s tournament.
