In the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi on Saturday, the Indian women’s hockey team won 5-0, marking their second straight triumph.
India’s second tournament game saw them overcome Malaysia 5-0 in a high-scoring match on Saturday. India’s goal scorers were Vandana Katariya (7′, 21′), Sangita Kumari (28′), Lalremsiami (28′), and Jyoti (38′).
India started the match with a strong push, looking for a breakthrough from the first minute on, and their strong defense made it difficult for Malaysia to penetrate the circle.
After consecutive penalty corners, Ishita’s injection resulted in a goal by Vandana Katariya (7′), giving India their first goal. India was given another penalty corner with a few minutes remaining in the first quarter, but Malaysian goalie Nur Zainal made an incredible save to save Deep Grace Ekka’s dragflick.
India had a chance early in the second quarter, but Nur Zainal stopped Vandana Katariya’s tomahawk.
India won a penalty corner this time, and Jyoti received Ishita’s injection before striker Vandana Katariya (21′) scored the team’s second goal of the game to make it 2-0.
A promising play by India in the 27th minute saw Lalremsiami locate Sangita Kumari deep in the circle. Sangita’s (28′) deft finish made sure that India’s advantage was increased to 3-0. Salima Tete burst free on the right wing less than a minute later, setting up Lalremsiami (28′), who skillfully ducked the sharp ball into the back of the net for India’s fourth goal.
When the third quarter got underway, India was in complete control of the ball. Malaysia attempted to break through the circle from the right side, but the Indian defense stopped them. Navneet Kaur had the opening opportunity of the quarter, hitting a hard shot that almost missed the goal. After many short passes, Vandana Katariya found Jyoti’s (38′) deft stickwork in the circle to earn a well-deserved goal for India. It was a wonderful example of link-up play.
The score stayed the same as the game entered its final quarter. The attacker kept searching for chances despite the fact that India’s defense was mostly unproven. Navneet Kaur attempted a second, strong attempt at goal, but it went just wide. Lalremsiami won India a penalty corner in the 47th minute, but Nur Zain made another incredible save to save Deep Grace Ekka’s attempt. India was given two consecutive penalty corners with less than ten minutes remaining, but their offense was unable to add another goal. At the half, India showed off their offensive capabilities with a convincing 5-0 victory.
On October 30, India and China will play their third match of the competition.
