Hockey: India U18 men defeat Australia 6-3 to level series; women lose 2-1
Bhopal, May 18
The Indian U18 men's team beat Australia 6-3 to level their series, while the India U18 women's team lost 2-1 against the visitors at the Udhav Das Mehta Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday.
The big win for the U18 men means their four-match series is now level at 1-1. India started the match well and took control in the first half. Akash Deep (10') opened the scoring in the first quarter, and Shahrukh Ali (14') added a second goal soon after. In the second quarter, Ketan Kushwaha (25') and Romit Pal (26') scored quick goals to give India a strong lead.
Kushwaha (40') scored his second goal of the match in the third quarter, and Ansh Bahutra (45') added the sixth goal for India. Australia scored through Owen Taylor (23'), Oscar Freeman (29'), and Jack Weller (32'), but the Indian defence stood firm in the final quarter to protect the lead and secure the win.
In the women's match, the India U18 team fought hard but lost the third match of their series. Australia took an early lead in the first quarter when Anneliese Cullen (5') scored. India responded well just before the end of the quarter, with Sandeepa Kumari (15') scoring a fine equaliser to make it 1-1.
However, the visitors regained the lead early in the second quarter through a goal from Stella Bartholomeusz (17'). The Indian defence kept the Australian attackers from scoring further in the second half, but the hosts could not find a second goal to equalise.
Earlier, the Indian U18 men's and women's hockey teams suffered defeats against Australia U18 in their respective second matches on Sunday.
In the men's encounter, Australia secured a 3-1 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series, following the 2-2 draw in the opening game. Arjun Brian (16') opened the scoring for Australia early in the second quarter, but India responded quickly through Ashish Tani Purti (24'), who found the back of the net to bring the hosts level.
Both the men's and women's teams will play their fourth and final matches of the series on Wednesday at the same venue.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's great to see the U18 teams competing at this level. The men's team showed real character to level the series after that tough loss. But the women's team needs to work on converting chances - they held Australia to just two goals in the second half but couldn't score. Hope they learn from this!
Proud moment for Indian hockey! Seeing Akash Deep score in the 10th minute set the tone. Defence stood tall in the final quarter too. But we need to be more consistent - we can't afford to lose matches after winning. Still, chak de India! 🇮🇳
The U18 level is where champions are made. India's 6 goals show they have the firepower. Sandeepa Kumari's equaliser for the women's team was a moment of brilliance. These young players need proper academies and exposure - the Hockey India development system is doing something right.
Men's team played with such energy and aggression! 🎉 But I'm a bit concerned about the women's team - they are losing close matches. The defence is good but they need more attacking options. Let's support both teams in their final matches on Wednesday!
What a turnaround by the U18 boys! After being outplayed 3-1 in the second match, they came back with a dominant performance. The quick goals in the second quarter killed the game. This kind of character under pressure is what we need in Indian sports.
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