Indian women's hockey team secured an exciting 1-1 draw against England in the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament (Torneo del Centenario) opener in Barcelona.
England took the lead early with a field goal from Holly Hunt (7'), but India's Lalremsiami (41') cancelled the opener to help India leave the pitch with a point.
England were dominating proceedings right from the first whistle as they harrowed Indian defenders with their passing game. Their efforts paid dividends when Hunt tried her luck from inside the D and her shot pierced the Indian net to draw first blood in the match. India intensified their attacks but struggled to find the net in the first quarter.
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The Women in Blue began the second half with renewed vigour which forced England to go into their shell. They held their fort which helped them go into the break with the scoreline still in their favour.
In the third quarter, England earned a penalty corner but failed to convert. India kept hitting on the counterattack and earned their first penalty corner. They made the most of the opportunity as Lalremsiami converted to bring back India into the game.
India came out firing on all cylinders in the fourth quarter and churned out numerous scoring opportunities. However, England's defence withstood the late storm and ensured that the scoreline remained unchanged.
What next for Indian hockey in the Torneo del Centenario?
On 27 July, the Indian women's team will take the field at 2:30 PM IST to face Spain in their three-team competition.
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How to watch India play in the Torneo del Centenario
For Indian viewers, the Torneo del Centenario will not be broadcast on television. The men's matches against Netherlands and England will be streamed for free on Olympics.com while live streaming for other games will be available on the watch.hockey platform.
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