The Indian women's hockey team continued their struggle in the FIH Pro League, facing their seventh consecutive defeat with a 2-4 loss to Germany on Saturday.
Despite a promising start with a two-goal lead, India failed to secure the win.
The match began positively for India, coached by Harendra Singh, with Sunelita Toppo and Deepika scoring impressive field goals in the opening quarter. Sunelita netted the first goal in the 9th minute, followed by Deepika in the 15th minute, giving India a morale-boosting 2-0 lead.
However, Germany's Viktoria Huse quickly neutralized India's advantage by converting penalty corners in the 23rd and 32nd minutes, leveling the score. Stinne Kurz added to Germany's tally with a penalty corner conversion in the 51st minute, and Jule Bleuel sealed the victory with a field goal in the 55th minute.
This defeat comes on the heels of India's losses to Belgium and Argentina in Antwerp last month, as well as recent defeats to Germany (1-3) and Great Britain (2-3) last weekend.
India showed early promise in Saturday's match, with veteran forward Lalremsiami creating opportunities and testing German goalkeeper Julia Sonntag. Sunelita's goal in the 9th minute, followed by Deepika's counter-attack goal just before the end of the first quarter, initially gave India a strong lead.
However, Germany's efficient penalty corner conversions by Viktoria Huse in the second and third quarters erased India's lead. Despite Deepika's efforts in the second half, India's offense couldn't capitalize on the opportunities.
In the final quarter, Germany's forwards dominated, launching relentless attacks that overwhelmed India's defense.
India's hopes of breaking their losing streak were dashed, with the last Pro League match against Great Britain scheduled for Sunday.