Sharmila Devi and Deep Grace Ekka scored a goal each as the Indian women’s hockey team began its tour of Argentina with a 2-2 draw against the country’s junior national team.
In a well-contested match, goals from young Indian striker Sharmila (22nd) and the experienced Ekka (31st) were cancelled out by strikes from Argentina’s Paula Santamarina (28th) and Brisa Bruggesser (48th).
Chief coach Sjoerd Marijne lauded the performance of the Indian team which was returning to international competition after a year following a Covid-19-induced break.
“It was a typical first match after a long gap. Playing a competitive side after a year takes time to get into the rhythm and we played 23 athletes to give them all a feeling of playing in a match after a long gap,” Marijne said in a release issued by Hockey India.
India got off the blocks with an intent to attack in the first quarter. The team won two back-to-back Penalty Corners (PC) in the 8th and 9th minute of play…
