India finished as the runners-up in the FIH Hockey5s Women's World Cup in Muscat on January 28 after losing 2-7 to the Netherlands in the final.
Jyoti Chhatri scored in the 20th minute, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal scored in the 23rd minute for India in the summit clash on January 27.
The Netherlands' goals came from Janneke van de Venne in the second and 14th minute, Bente van der Veldt in the fourth and eighth minute, and Lana Kalse in the 11th and 27th minute, each scoring twice. Sosha Benninga scored the other goal in the 13th minute.
In recognition of their outstanding performance in the FIH Hockey5s Women's World Cup, Hockey India has declared a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh for every player and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff.
Both teams searched for opportunities after the match began, and it didn't take long for the Netherlands to capitalise on one.
Janneke van de Venne took a long-range shot, which deflected off Indian goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu and into the goal, giving the Netherlands the lead.
Shortly after, Bente van der Veldt found herself unmarked in front of the Indian goal and struck the ball into the net to double the lead.
The Netherlands then dominated play, with Bente van der Veldt remaining alert in front of the Indian goal. Her quick overhead shot evaded the Indian defence and found the back of the net.
With four minutes remaining in the first half, Lana Kalse capitalised on a loose ball and unleashed a powerful shot to extend the Netherlands' lead to 4-0.
Shortly afterward, Sosha Benninga skillfully bypassed Rajani in goal to further increase their lead.
Continuing to exert pressure on the Indian defense, the Netherlands capitalised on an opportunity, with Janneke van de Venne scoring to end the first half 6-0 in favour of the Netherlands.
The Dutch dominance persisted into the second half, with a challenge resulting in a save by Rajani.
India managed to score their first goal five minutes into the second half, as Jyoti found space and fired a shot from distance past Netherlands' goalkeeper Kiki Gunneman.
Under pressure, Rutuja received the ball, executed a swift turn, and scored to narrow the gap to 6-2 against the Netherlands.
As India intensified their attack, a rapid counter-attack goal from Lana Kalse of the Netherlands reinstated their five-goal lead.
Despite India's persistent attempts to breach Netherlands' goalkeeper Kiki Gunneman, they were unable to find the net.
In the last minute of the game, Netherlands was awarded a penalty stroke. However, Rajani's save came too late to alter the outcome.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by PTI)
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