Indian Women's Hockey suffers 2-3 loss to Australia at FIH Hockey Pro League

By: WE Staff | Monday, 16 June 2025

• FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 held at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre
• India's Women's Hockey Team suffered a 2-3 loss to Australia

India's Women's Hockey Team suffered a 2-3 loss to Australia in their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 match at the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre. Despite a strong comeback from India with goals from Deepika and Neha, Australia held firm in the final quarter to secure the win. The match also marked a milestone for midfielder Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who completed her 50th appearance for India.

India's and Australia's teams showed a spirited fight with little to separate them in the opening quarter. India pushed Australia's defence, earning a penalty corner in the 10th minute. India's best chance came late in the quarter, forcing goalkeeper Zoe Newman into a double save. Courtney Schonell scored a goal in the second quarter to give Australia the lead. India lost the ball in key pockets, but Australia's Lexi Pickering scored a rebound to double Australia's lead. India failed to create chances before half-time.

Australia took a 3–0 lead in the third quarter after earning a penalty corner, while India won a corner with 68 seconds left, due to a precision shot from Deepika, reducing the deficit to 1-3.

India scored a goal in the fourth quarter, winning three penalty corners. Australia, under pressure, conceded another penalty in the 52nd minute. Deepika's shot was saved by Neha, making it 2-3. India tried to equalize, but Australia held on for the victory.