Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Mar 15: India women's national field hockey team went down 0-2 against England women's national field hockey team in the final of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifier at the G.M.C. Balyogi Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday evening, but still secured qualification for this year’s World Cup.
World No. 6 England opened the scoring in the 13th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Grace Balsdon. They doubled the lead in the 43rd minute when Elizabeth Neal struck from open play.
The Indians, ranked ninth in the world, fought hard throughout the 60-minute contest but failed to break through the strong English defence.
Despite the defeat, India progressed to the upcoming FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup.
Apart from champions England and runner-up India, Scotland women's national field hockey team also qualified from the tournament after defeating Italy women's national field hockey team 1-0.
The World Cup will be jointly hosted by Netherlands and Belgium from August 14 to 30 alongside the men’s tournament.