India in the semis of the Kazan Challenge

Making a late surge, India swamps Canada for a fluent 8-1 win in the second match of the Champions Challenge II in Kazan, Russia. It is India’s second win after defeating Belgium 5-3 yesterday on the opening day.

With two wins, India qualifies for the semifinal to be played on 26th June. However, India has to play a formality of Belarus on Wednesday after tomorrow’s rest day.

Winner of this tournament will qualify for the Champions Challenge I.

India was struggling to score after Deepika Thakur scored in the 17th minute only to be equalized four minutes later by Jessalyn Walkey. Six minutes before the hooter, Surinder Kaur played her captaincy role bouncing on the rebound off a penalty corner shot.

However, the once Ritu Rani scored in the 54th minute, the floodgates opened for India. Ritu Rani added two more to post her hat-trick – her last goal coming on the stroke of hooter — while youngster Rani from her hometown, Shahbad, posted a brace.

Old war horse Mamta Kharab entered her name in the score board in the 67th minute with a field goal.

In fact, MK Kaushik’s team scored six goals in the last quarter, apparently the Canadian girls who are coached by Goa-Indian Louis Mendonca, are outclassed and tired out in the end.

Pix: Ritu Rani who scored the hat-trick at Kazan