Defending champions India defeated Malaysia 4-0 in the first round of the women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Monday. India scored with Sangita Kumari (8th and 55th minutes), Preeti Dubey (43rd), and Udita (44th).
India’s next match will be against South Korea on Tuesday. In other matches on the day, Japan and Korea tied 2-2, while Olympic silver medalist China hammered Thailand 15-0. India was sluggish to start the game, and Malaysia’s Nur Mohd had the first opportunity to score after a great move in behind the defenders, but Indian goalkeeper Savita stepped in to rescue the side from an early defeat.
India took control of the game after Malaysia earned a penalty corner, but the shot was deflected wide. India quickly regained control and earned two penalty corners in quick succession. Deepika shot the ball towards the goal, and Sangita Kumari scored from close range, making it 1-0 for India. India continued to press the Malaysian team and created two chances for Preeti Dubey, but she was unable to convert. Captain Salima Tete also earned a penalty corner with 10 seconds to go, but India couldn’t capitalize.
India pressed their advantage in the second quarter, but they couldn’t find the finishing touch. They then slow down the tempo to search for a clear goal-scoring chance, but Lalremsiami’s shot sailed wide of the post. In the third quarter, Deepika earned a penalty corner, but Navneet Kaur’s shot was easily swatted away. Malaysia drew a penalty corner, but Savita stopped it. India continued to look for an opening, earning another penalty corner with three minutes left, and Preeti Dubey’s angled stick deflected the ball into goal, doubling India’s lead.
India continued to press Malaysia back in its own half and create chances. Sangita weaved past two defenders into the shooting circle, unleashing a reverse tomahawk, making it a brace for her on the day and ending the game in India’s favor.
Get the latest news updates and stay informed with FELA NEWS!
Source: NDTV
