Hockey: Jaspreet scores brace as Indian women beat Canada 4-2

The Indian women’s hockey team beat Canada 4-2 in the opening match of the Commonwealth Games here Thursday.

The match started in high momentum with both teams going on the attack immediately. India was awarded their first penalty corner in the seventh minute but were unable to convert. Canada too were unsuccessful on their penalty corner in the 13th minute.

It was in the 21st minute when India scored through Rani Rampal but Canada immediately came back when they equalised in the 24th minute through Brienne Stairs.

This did not deter the Indians and within four minutes Poonam Rani scored through another penalty corner to give India a 2-1 lead going into the break.

In the second half, India continued the momentum and bagged a penalty corner opportunity immediately. Jaspreet Kaur scored in the 37th minute to give India a 3-1 lead.

Karli Johansen of Canada converted a penalty corner to reduce the goal margin to 2-3 but India went on the attack and in the 52nd minute Jaspreet scored again with the final score reading 4-2 in India’s favour.

India will next take on New Zealand July 27 at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

IANS