Matla frederique

FIH Hockey Pro League: After a thrilling 2-2 draw, India grabbed the bonus point as they defeated the reigning champions and World Cup winners Netherlands 2-1 via a shootout in a Women's FIH Hockey Pro League match at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday. Despite being two goals down, India made a remarkable comeback in the third quarter with goals coming from Deepika (35’) and Baljeet Kaur (43’). Captain Pien Sanders ( 17’) and Fay van der Elst (28’) scored for the Netherlands.

Following the incredible upset victory, Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 1 lakh to each Indian player and Rs 50,000 to each member of the support staff in addition to their existing policy of rewarding Rs 50,000 for every victory.

The Dutch were dominant in the first quarter, both in terms of possession and attempts on goal. The visiting team won the first penalty corner of the evening in the 5th minute as Matla Frederique took a powerful shot, met by a breathtaking save by Savita. The Netherlands won three back-to-back corners in the remaining minutes but India’s tight defence denied them the opening goal.