The Indian women’s hockey team suffered a 1-3 defeat against Germany in the 5 Nations Tournament Valencia 2023 on Tuesday. This was India’s third loss on the trot in Valencia.
Germany, ranked one place above India at world No. 5, got their goals through captain Nike Lorez (11’), Hanna Carina Granitzki (23’) and Charlotte Stapenhorst (52’). Nikki Pradhan (34′) pulled one back for the Indian hockey team in the third quarter but the solitary goal only proved to be a consolation.
Germany took charge of the game in the first quarter. With just over four minutes to go in the first quarter, captain Nike Lorez slotted the ball past Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam to put Germany in the driver’s seat.
Hanna Carina Granitzki doubled the lead for Germany in the second quarter through a penalty corner goal and left India with a mountain to climb.
The Indian hockey team started the second half with renewed vigour. As the pressure continued to mount on Germany, Nikki Pradhan powered a shot into goal from a penalty corner and presented India with an opening in the contest.
However, the momentum shifted back in Germany’s favour as Charlotte Stapenhorst’s goal restored their two-goal lead with eight minutes to go for full time. The Germans eventually saw off the remaining period and sealed the victory.
India were defeated 2-3 by Spain in the opener before losing to Belgium 1-2 in their previous match. India will play Ireland in their final match on Thursday.