India thrash Kazakhstan, enter semifinals of Asian Women’s hockey

Drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur pumped in three goals as India hammered Kazakhstan 7-1 to enter the semifinals of the women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kakamigahara on Thursday.

Gurjit was in sublime form as she pumped in three goals (4th, 42nd and 56th minute), while Navneet Kaur scored twice (22nd and 27th minute).

And Deep Grace converted two penalty corners (16th and 41st minute) to ensure India remained unbeaten in the tournament.

After an early setback, when Vera Domashneva scored a field goal in the second minute to give Kazakhstan a 1-0 lead, India made amends when a tactical manoeuvre in the circle won them a PC in the fourth minute.

The in-form Gurjit hardly broke a sweat to fiercely strike the ball past Kazakhstan goalkeeper Guzal Bakhavaddin and equalise, Hockey India said in a release.

The Rani Rampal-led forward-line was smart in its attacks as they created penalty corners to put their opponents under pressure.

The plan worked as a penalty corner won in the 16th minute was brilliantly converted through Deep Grace’s well-struck drag- flick that gave India a 2-1 lead.

In the following minutes, Navneet scored back-to-back field goals to take India’s lead to a comfortable 4-1 at the end of second quarter.

Another penalty corner was awarded in the 41st minute was beautifully converted by Deep Grace that took India’s lead to a strong 5-1.

Gurjit was splendid with her drag flick and converted her second goal through penalty corner in the 42nd minute to ensure India were on path to a big win.

The 22-year-old Gurjit struck yet another penalty corner in the 56th minute to end the match in India’s favour with a 7-1 win.