In a stunning performance, the Indian women's hockey team dismantled hosts Spain to win the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament in Terrassa, Barcelona, on Sunday, 30 July.
Organised by the Spanish Hockey Federation, the 'Torneo del Centenario' commemorated 100 years of the federation's existence, and was contested by three teams in the women's category, and four in the men's.
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What was India's performance like in the last game of the Torneo del Centenario?
India started the match strongly, dominating possession and keeping the ball in dangerous areas but a breakthrough proved elusive in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, India found the breakthrough as Neha Goyal's shot was blocked and the rebound fell to Lalremsiami. Her shot in turn was given a final touch by Vandana Katariya.
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India extended their lead in the 48th minute when Monika slotted a penalty corner past goalkeeper Maria Ruiz.
With pressure mounting on Spain, India were able to put the icing on the cake in the 58th minute when Udita managed to dribble past the Spanish backline and slot home.
Kudos to the Indian Women's Hockey Team on winning the prestigious 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation International Tournament 2023.💙#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/lj7jWOOBKx
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 30, 2023
How did India perform in the Torneo del Centenario overall?
India went unbeaten across their four games in the Torneo del Cenetario, drawing the first two before winning the next two, both by 3-0 scorelines.
The hero of the 3-0 victory over England was Lalremsiami, who scored a magnificent hat-trick.
| Date | Opponent | Score | Scorer(s) for India |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 July | England | 1-1 | Lalremsiami (41') |
| 27 July | Spain | 2-2 | Navneet Kaur (14', 29') |
| 29 July | England | 3-0 | Lalremsiami (13', 17', 56') |
| 30 July | Spain | 3-0 | Katariya (22'), Monika (48'), Udita (58') |
What next for Team India?
Coming up at the end of August is the Women's Asian Hockey 5s World Cup qualifier in Salalah, Oman. In September, the Indian women will shift focus to succeeding at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
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