The Indian women's hockey team suffered another setback in the FIH Pro League, losing to Argentina in a penalty shootout after a spirited comeback on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss in the European leg of the league, adding to the challenges they've faced against Australia and Argentina.
The match, held in London, saw India rally from a two-goal deficit to tie the score at 2-2, showcasing their fighting spirit. However, their inability to convert penalty corners and capitalize on opportunities in the shootout ultimately cost them the victory. Argentina secured the bonus point with a 2-0 win in the shootout.
Argentina initially took control of the match, with Agustina Gorzelany converting two penalty corners in the 27th and 37th minutes. India struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, failing to convert four set pieces and missing a couple of clear-cut chances. Despite numerous circle penetrations, they couldn't deliver the decisive final touch.
The second half saw a resurgent Indian side. Navneet Kaur reduced the deficit in the 50th minute with a well-executed field goal. Deepika then leveled the score in the 56th minute, converting India's fifth penalty corner. This comeback demonstrated India's resilience and determination to fight back against a strong Argentinian team.
However, the shootout proved to be India's undoing. Deepika, Rutuja, Lalremsiami, and Baljeet Kaur all failed to score, while Argentina's Brisa Bruggesser and Sofia Cairo successfully converted their chances. Argentina's goalkeeper proved to be a formidable barrier, denying India any goals in the shootout.
Despite the loss, the Indian team can take some positives from their performance. Their comeback from two goals down showed their fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure. Navneet Kaur and Deepika's goals were crucial in bringing India back into the game. The team also demonstrated improved attacking play in the second half, creating more opportunities and putting Argentina's defense under pressure.
However, several areas need improvement. India's penalty corner conversion rate remains a concern, as they failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Their performance in the shootout was also disappointing, highlighting the need to improve their composure and execution in high-pressure situations. The team will need to address these issues as they continue their campaign in the FIH Pro League.
The loss against Argentina is a setback for India, but it also provides valuable lessons and insights. The team needs to maintain their fighting spirit, improve their penalty corner conversion rate, and develop their composure in shootouts. With continued hard work and dedication, the Indian women's hockey team can overcome these challenges and achieve success in future matches. They earned their first point on the European leg despite the shootout loss.
