India's women's hockey team suffered a 1-2 defeat against China in the FIH Pro League match, despite taking an early lead through Sangita Kumari's goal. Sangita Kumari's field goal in the seventh minute gave India the lead, but Gu Bingfeng's penalty corner in the 14th minute provided China an equalizer. Gu Bingfeng scored his second goal of the game with a penalty score in the 53rd minute.
China had defeated India by the same score of 1-2 in the previous match, which took place in Bhubaneswar on February 3. India was awarded five penalty corners during the game, compared to China's four, however, they were unable to convert any of them. The first quarter ended in a 1-1 tie between the two teams. Sangita passed the ball to Vandana Katariya, who added the final touches.
Both the teams failed to secure a goal in the next two quarters. In the second quarter, China had more ball possession, but the Indian defense held strong and prevented their opponent from getting a score.
China was given a penalty corner with ten minutes remaining in the second quarter, but Savita made a great stop. Without delay, the Indians launched a counter attack and were able to extend their lead with another penalty corner.
A penalty corner was given to China at the beginning of the third quarter. Neha Goyal's referral led to the decision being reversed as the ball hit Huang Haiyan's shin, resulting in a more accurate analysis.
India controlled the third quarter, while China played deep inside, preventing Indians from breaking through. Both teams nearly took the lead, but China scored their second goal after a penalty stroke. Bingfeng successfully took the penalty stroke, ensuring the Chinese team had a clear lead with seven minutes remaining.
India received two penalty corners in the 55th minute, but China's defense was strong, allowing the team to maintain a one-goal lead until the end.
India is set to face the Netherlands in their next match on Wednesday.
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