Hockey team preps for Rio: Registers win against hosts US on tour

The Indian hockey team has registered it's first won over the US team in in their last preparation tour before the Rio Olympics. They defeated the hosts 2-1 in their second game of the ongoing pre-Olympic tour on Thursday which is being held in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

The game started with no team finding the net until USA took an early lead four minutes into the second quarter via  Jill Witmer's penalty corner conversion. They maintained their lead, and at half time the Indians were trailing 1-0. It was in the second half that the Indian team found it's groove and started playing an attacking game, constantly breaching the circle via the flanks.

Also Read: Making the cut: Indian women athletes​ to watch out for at the Rio Olympics

Their efforts bore fruit, when in the final minute of the third quarter, Preeti Dubey scored the equaliser via a penalty corner conversion. In a tie situation, Indian players then capitalised on the momentum, keeping up the pressure in the final quarter. And just five minutes from the final hooter, Lilima Minz scored off a penalty corner, giving the team the second and winning goal.

Also read: MP player Sushila Chanu to lead the women’s hockey squad to Rio

Although the team had a disappointing start to the USA tour, losing to the hosts in their opening match, however, this win should give them the confidence they need as part of the final preparation to the Olympics. India next play Canada on Friday.

Feature Image Credit: www.thestatesman.com

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