Indian women led by Surinder Kaur, an Arjuna award aspirant this year, reached the finals of the Champions Challenge II, by putting down a hard fight against improved Ukraine 2-1.

The hitherto undefeated India kept up its record with this hard fought 2-1 win to reach the summit, where winner between Ireland and Belgium match will face India.

India scored two goals in the first half, and struggled to keep the lead. Despite getting three penalty corners, India could not make use of any.

In a match where no cards were issued, Rani Devi took the lead as early as sixth minute, and then winger Saba Anjum enlarged the lead 17 minutes later.

Accordingly to information reaching this site, India got numerous chances to score, but the Ukraine defence was not giving up. Ukraine scored a goal in the 44th minute through Nataliya Vasyukova.

India held the nerves thereafter to defend the slender lead till the end.