Amsterdam: The Indian women failed to hold on to the lead twice in the Women’s Hockey World Cup opener against China at Amstelveen, Netherlands. In the end, Salima Tete’s girls settled for a hard-fought 2-2 draw.

Up against a tough opponents who clinched silver medal in the Paris Olympics, India made a promising start as Navneet who found the target in the eighth minute after latching on to a pass from Neha.

China equalised in in the 15th minute through a penalty stroke after Shilpi Dabas was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the circle.

Deepika restored India’s advantage four minutes before half-time, with her drag flick off a penalty corner rolling into the goal after striking a Chinese defender.

China upped the ante after change of ends and applied sustained pressure on the Inian defence. They eventually equalised in the 39th minute through Ma Ning’s drag flick off a PC.

Both teams went all out looking for the winner in the final quarter, but failed to break the deadlock.

Indian women will next face South Africa on Tuesday.

The men’s team, coming off a 3-1 win over Wales, will take on England on Monday.