It was a tough day for the Indian U18 men’s and women’s hockey teams as they both lost to Australia U18 in their second matches at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. In the men’s game, Australia claimed a 3-1 victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series after a 2-2 draw in the first match. Arjun Brian (16’) scored first for Australia, but India equalized through Ashish Tani Purti (24’).
Australia dominated the third quarter with goals from Sam Peoples (39’) and Angus Mcmullen (45’), securing the win. In the women’s match, India suffered a 1-4 defeat. Despite Diya (11’) giving India an early lead, Australia mounted a strong comeback with goals from Anneliese Cullen (26’), Giselle Thompson (31’), Aurora Kovacevich (36’), and Stella Bartholomeusz (48’).
The Indian U18 women’s team aims to bounce back in their third match at the International Sports Complex, Nathu Barkheda in Bhopal. The Indian U18 men’s team will also seek redemption in their upcoming match against Australia at the Udhav Das Mehta (Bhai Ji) Central SAI Centre in Bhopal.
