Four Nations Tournament: Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team Goes Down 2-4 to Argentina

Rosario (Argentina) – The Indian junior women’s hockey team ended their Four Nations Tournament campaign with a 2-4 defeat to hosts Argentina in their final match in Rosario. Forward Kanika Siwach (11’, 45’) scored both goals for India, continuing her standout performance throughout the tournament.

The match got off to a fast-paced start, with four goals scored in the first quarter. Argentina took early control, with Sol Guignet Gunazu (5’) and Sol Ollala De Labra (7’) finding the net to give the home team a 2-0 lead.

India responded through Kanika Siwach in the 11th minute, narrowing the deficit with a well-taken goal. However, Milagros del Valle Alastra extended Argentina’s lead again just two minutes later (13’), making it 3-1 at the end of the first quarter.

After a goalless second quarter, Argentina added a fourth goal in the 37th minute via Maxima Duportal. Kanika Siwach scored her second of the match in the 45th minute, offering India some hope, but Argentina maintained control in the final quarter to seal the 4-2 win.

Earlier in the tournament, India registered a 3-1 shootout win over Uruguay after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Vice-captain Hina (10’) and Lalrinpuii (24’) gave India the early advantage, while Geeta, Kanika, and Lalthantluagi scored in the shootout.

In their fourth match, India lost 1-3 to Chile in a shootout after another 2-2 draw. Sukhveer Kaur (35’) and Kanika Siwach (47’) scored for India, while Jacinta Solari (27’) and captain Laura Muller (42’) scored for Chile.

India began the tour with a strong 2-1 win over Chile on May 25, with goals from Sukhveer Kaur (39’) and Kanika Siwach (58’). Chile’s Javeria Saenz (20’) was their lone scorer.

On May 26, India defeated Uruguay 3-2 in a closely fought second match. With scores level entering the final quarter, Kanika Siwach stepped up once again, scoring twice in the closing stages to secure the win.

In their third game, India edged past hosts Argentina with a 2-0 shootout win following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Kanika (44’) scored for India during regular play, and Lalrinpuii and Lalthantluangi converted in the shootout to seal the victory.

With inputs from IANS