National Games 2011, Ranchi – Haryana makes it to the Women Hockey Final
Haryana Women’s team defeated Orissa 3-1 at the 34th National Games in Ranchi, Jharkhand on February 23 to secure a spot in the finals.
Haryana’s team captain, Jasjit Kaur was a highlight, scoring two goals out of three for the team. However, the third goal for the team was delivered by Haryana’s expert drag-flicker, Kaur Surinder.
In the first half of the match, Haryana opened the score when in the 7th minute a penalty corner was awarded to them. Kaur Surinder turned it into a lead for Haryana over Orissa by one goal (1-0).
In the next eight minutes, Orissa responded and a striker, Anupa Barla scored a goal in the 15th minute of the first half, levelling the score at 1-1.
The match warmed up a bit and both teams were in move to break the tie into a lead. This became possible when Jasjit Kaur came up ahead and attacked Orissa’s circle, winning their second goal in the 27th minute of the match and putting the score
at 2-1. The first half ended without any more goals from either side.
The second half was a very observant as both teams displayed their utmost strengths to counter and hold back the opponent, all at once. Although, there were few chances that could turn out as a score but the teams, especially Orissa, failed to do so.
However, in the 58th minute of the match, Jasjit Kaur made a comeback and scored the third goal, taking the lead to two goals at 3-1. This goal was shot as a result of a penalty corner. Orissa tried hard but failed to overpower the Haryana Women,
missing their chance to get to the finals.
On the other hand, as soon as the final whistle blew Haryana’s players cheered in joy to become one of the finalists of the event.
The second semi-final is also to be held between Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, both equally competent Women hockey teams. Whoever wins will compete with Haryana in the final match to be held on February 25 and the losing team will play-off for the bronze
medal on February 24 against Orissa.
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