India Women win three match series against Bahrain

The Indian women's national team has won the three match series 2-1 against Bahrain, which has been much needed exposure for our women's team. The three matches were held on September 17, 20 and 23 all in Manama, Bahrain.

The final match of the series was played last night, but not as the earlier two matches at the Al Ahli Club Stadium but at the National Stadium. The match kicked-off two hours late due to the venue change and heavy traffic congestion across the kingdom. The first session ended goalless though Bahrain had a penalty, but Reem Al Hashemi missed the target.

In the second session India took the lead when striker Pinky Bompal Magar scored in the 69th minute, while Parmashori Devi doubled the lead lead only three minutes later. Bahrain reduced the deficit in the 81st minute through Mona Al Daesi, but India ensured their win through a 86th minute Kamala Devi strike. The match ended 3-1 in favour for India.

In the opening match of the series India had won 2-1 through two goals from captain Sasmita Mallick, who missed the second game; while Bahrain had scored through Reem Al Hashemi. The second match had been won by Bahrain 2-0 through goals from Deena Abdulrahman and Manar Ebrahim.

Coach Chief Coach Mohammad Shahid Jabbar sounded ecstatic on the victory. "The victory proves our girls are not lagging behind. We had an eventful camp in Lucknow and the results are showing."

Captain Sasmita Malik said, "It feels great when you win an International Series. The team spirit was high all throughout and facilitated our victory. We capitalised on the chances that came our way."

Below the India Women's squad which toured Bahrain.


INDIA Women's

Goalkeepers
Sita Sharma, Usharani Das, Swarnamayee Samal

Defenders
Ashem Romi Devi, Gurumayum Radharani Devi, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Rashmita Patra, Alochana Senapati, Bijay Laxmi Sahoo, Suprava Samal, Tuli Goon

Midfielders
Yumnam Kamala Devi, Yumlembem Premi Devi, Supriya Routray, Paramita Sit, Sharon Fernandes, Nameirakpam Montessori Chanu, Nosaba Alam

Forwards
Irom Parmeshwari Devi, Nima Lamhu Bhutia, Laishram Naobi Chanu, Pinky Bompal Magar, Sasmita Malik (captain)

Officials
Mohammad Shahid Jabbar (Head Coach), Pratima Biswas (Assistant Coach), Shukla Dutta (Assistant Coach), Chitra Gangadharan (Goalkeeping Coach), Kruti Marolia (Physiotherapist), Indu Chaudhary (Manager)