Indian women wallop Belarus, storm into the final

Vancouver, April 9
Skipper Rani Rampal and Gurjit Kaur scored two goals each as the Indian women’s team stormed into the final of the Hockey World League Round 2 after a 4-0 thrashing of Belarus in the semifinals here. India now play Chile, who beat Uruguay 2-1 in the other semifinal, in the summit clash.
By reaching the final, India have already secured a berth in the HWL Semifinal. The event, to be held in June-July, will be the final qualifier for next year’s World Cup.
India were the dominant side right from the start. Even though Belarus won two penalty corners in the fourth and ninth minutes, the Indian defence was impressive in denying their opponents any opening.
India were quick to earn their first penalty corner, in the 13th minute, and Gurjit Kaur scored a stunning goal to put India ahead.
India doubled their lead in the 20th minute through skipper Rani when she converted a penalty stroke.
India played a fast game, breaching the opposition circle quite often.
Both teams earned penalty corners in the third quarter, with India winning one in the 33rd minute but the attempt was off the mark. Belarus got a penalty corner in the 40th minute but Yuliya Mikheichyk’s hard-struck drag-flick was saved by goalkeeper Savita.
Within seconds of the save, India got their third goal, Rani getting a brace with a brilliant field goal.
Though Belarus were awarded a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, they were denied yet again by Savita, who had an impressive game.
The final quarter saw Belarus make desperate attempts to make a comeback. They began the quarter with a penalty corner but were again denied by Savita. And two minutes before the end, Gurjit got her second after converting a penalty stroke.
“We are very excited and happy about the win,” Rani said. “We played as a strong unit and defended well. I am happy we converted the penalty corner chances. Our aim was to enter the final, and we look forward to a good game against Chile,” she added. — PTI