Hockey U-23 5 Nations Tournament: Indian women's hockey team battles out a tough draw against Netherlands

Indian women's hockey team (U-23) holds Netherlands to a 2-2 draw. The U-23 five-nation tournament was held in Dublin, Ireland on Monday. Anu (19th) and Beauty Dungdung (37th) saved the Indian team, scored one goal each for the team. Brouwer Amber (13th) and Van Der Broek Belen (17th) were on target for the Dutch team.

Netherlands was in good position in the first half. In a comparative way, Indian women's hockey team was in deep pressure as Netherlands earned three back to back penalty corners in the first five minutes. The Dutch women's team went ahead after Amber's goal in 13th minute. Indian women's team was in more trouble when Van Der Broek Belen doubled the lead in 17th minute.

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However, the Indian team didn't give up, they stood against Netherlands and prevented them from scoring. India started to counter-attack. Anu scored one goal through penalty corner in the 19th minute. India gained their second PC in the final minutes of the second quarter to level the contest but missed it. After that, Indian team still was a goal behind from Netherlands in the third quarter. Vice-captain Beauty Dungdung scored the second goal for India in the 37th minute, leveled the scoreboard to 2-2.

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When the fourth and final quarter started, both the teams were trying to edge out each other and score the important one goal. In the 47th minute, the Dutch team earned another PC but missed it. India also gained a PC, but it did not go well. In the final minutes, Netherlands gained two random PCs which they can not convert to a victory. So finally the game ended in a draw.

Indian women's hockey team (Junior) will play against Ukraine in their third match of the tournament on Wednesday.