Indian women’s hockey team held the Belgium junior men’s team for a 2-2 draw in Antwerp. In a closely fought match, India got the first opportunity to score within 40 seconds of the start as skipper Rani Rampal earned a penalty, which they could not convert.
Thereon, Belgium upped the ante, earning three penalty corners. However, both teams failed to take their chances as the first quarter ended goalless. The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute through Stan Branicki.
India bounced back in the third quarter with a goal from Nikki Pradhan in the 36th minute. It didn’t last for long though as Matthieu de Laet gave Belgium the lead once again in the 43rd minute.
The last goal came late in the game as India’s Vandana Katariya scored in the 54th minute to level the score. The opposition team created a flurry of chances towards the end but goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu made numerous saves to earn a well-deserved 2-2 draw for India.
Feature image: Hockey India
