NEW DELHI: Deepika Soreng and Mumtaz Khan netted two goals each, propelling the Indian women's hockey team to a narrow 5-4 victory against Poland in their opening Pool C match of the FIH Hockey5s Women's World Cup in Muscat on Wednesday.
Mumtaz found the back of the net in the 4th and 23rd minutes, while Deepika contributed with goals in the 6th and 29th minutes. Mariana Kujur added another goal for India in the 23rd minute.
Poland responded with goals from Julia Kucharska in the 8th minute, captain Marlena Rybacha in the 10th minute, Paula Slawinska in the 27th minute, and Monika Polewczak in the 29th minute. Despite a spirited performance from Poland, India secured the win in this thrilling encounter.
The Indian team made a swift start, taking the lead in the fourth minute with Mumtaz's field goal. Two minutes later, Deepika added to India's advantage with another impressive field strike.
Poland quickly retaliated, with Kucharska and captain Rybacha scoring field goals to level the scores at 2-2 with five minutes remaining in the first half. However, Mumtaz struck again four minutes later, securing her second goal and giving India a 3-2 lead by halftime.
The second half began quietly, with both teams thwarting each other's goal attempts. India, maintaining pressure on Poland with precise passing, extended their lead as Kujur scored with a brilliant finish.
With three minutes remaining, Slawinska intercepted an Indian pass and scored, narrowing the deficit to one goal. Nevertheless, Deepika promptly scored, re-establishing India's two-goal lead.
Polewczak quickly responded with a goal, making the score 5-4 in favor of India with just about a minute left. The Indian team managed to hold on to their lead, securing a positive start to their campaign.
India will next play the United States of America.
(With PTI inputs)
