Women off to a sluggish start

India may be on the verge of breaking into the top 10 in the world in women’s hockey but the way they played against Scotland in their campaign opener at the games, last edition’s silver medalists have a lot of ground to cover up if they expect to finish on the podium again.

The Indians were never expected to be athletic, but they were clumsy, off target and completely off colour as well on Monday. Though the Scottish women were not brilliant, they were made to look a far better side that they actually were by the Indians.

The 1-1 draw, courtesy a rare flash if brilliance by Jasjeet Kaur in the 55th minute, saved India’s the blushes. The world number 21 team from Scotland stunned India in the fourth minute of the game, with Vikki Bunce dodging past four defenders to set up Holly Cram near the mouth of the Indian goal, and the latter had no problem slotting the ball in past a colourless Deepika Murthy.

After the disappointing start by the women’s team, the Indian men would be looking to get off on a brighter note when they take on Malaysia in their campaign opener on Tuesday. It won’t be easy though, given that Malaysia have a history of being the thorn in India’s side for long.