India out of women's handball after consecutive loss

Doha, Dec 8 (UNI) India today crashed out of the women's handball competition after succumbing to a 17-38 loss to last edition's silver medallists Kazakhstan in their second group 'A' match at Al-Gharrafa Indoor Hall here.

With their second successive loss in the competition -- they lost 19-56 to China in their first match -- India are at the bottom of the group and out of contention in this event.

The Indians put up a spirited fight in the first half but injuries to two crucial players at the start of the second half proved to be a major setback for the team.

''We lost but we gave a better performance than against China. In the second half we were depressed because two of our best players were injured. Our defence is something we should work on,'' Anita Kumari, who top scored for India, said summing up the team's performance in the match.

Kazakhstan, who earlier beat Uzbekistan 23-12 in their opening match, built up a 18-12 lead in a tense first half in which the Indians fought hard but failed to match the Busan silver medallists.

In the second half, the Indians lost two key players, including left back Sangita Tiwari, to injury which jolted the team and the Kazakhs took complete control of the proceedings from there on as they outscored India 20-5, which also incluided a 17-goal streak without reply.

In the other group game, China beat Uzbekistan 46-17 to move to the top of the group.

The Chinese led 24-9 at half time and stretched their advantage by scoring 22 goals to Uzbekistan's eight in the second period.

China will take on Kazakhstan on December 10 to decide who will go into the semifinals as table-toppers.

UNI HSB PM AY RS1832