Indian eves lose inaugural hockey match

Indian women's hockey team failed to match the pace and guile of hosts Argentina and suffered a 1-3 defeat in the inaugural match of the four-nation tournament at the Parana.

The hosts build consistent pressure on the Indian post and did not let the visitors breathe freely in the first half of the match, which saw Argentina go up 2-0 with strikes from Josefina Sruoga and Delfina Merino.

Srugo gave her team an initial lead in the 11th minute of the game while Merino doubled the score in the 22nd minute on Wednesday.

The visitors, however, put an improved display in the second half.

 Rani eventually broke through in the 39th minute following a move coordinated by Ritu Rani and Vandana Katariya to post India's only goal.

In another match, South Africa were held by Ireland to a 2-2 draw.

India is scheduled to play Ireland on Friday.