Bhubaneswar: Odisha players made their presence felt in India’s thrilling shootout victory over New Zealand in the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile.
Goalkeeper Madhuri Kindo was the star performer for India, effecting four saves in the 3-2 triumph in penalty shootout after the teams were tied 3-3 in regulation time.
India scored first through Ropni Kumari in the 8th minute, but New Zealand sounded the boards twice in quick succession to take the lead.
Odia midfielder Jyoti Chhatri levelled scores in the second quarter, and the teams went into half-time at 2-2.
The scoreline remained same in the third quarter, before New Zealand went 3-32 ahead four minutes into the final quarter.
Odisha forward Sunelita Toppo came to India’s rescue with an equaliser in the 53rd minute, forcing a shootout. The stage was set for Madhuri to stand tall under the goal, completing an extremely satisfying day for Odisha trio.
