Hockey
Deepika's hat-trick powers India to 5-0 win over Malaysia in Women’s Junior Asia Cup
India will now aim to maintain their momentum as they push to top the standings and retain their title.
Women's junior hockey team in action (Photo credit: Hockey India)
Defending champions India put on a commanding display to defeat Malaysia 5-0 in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup, held in Muscat on Monday.
The win marked India's third consecutive victory over Malaysia in tournament history and kept them second in the standings behind China, separated only by goal difference.
India's star performer Deepika (37th, 39th, 48th minute) netted a sensational hat-trick, becoming the joint highest goal-scorer of the tournament with six goals.
She was supported by Vaishnavi Phalke (32nd minute) and Kanika Siwach (38th minute), who also found the back of the net to seal the victory.
The match began with India struggling to penetrate a resilient Malaysian defense, with two penalty corner opportunities going unconverted in the first half.
However, the tide turned in the third quarter when Vaishnavi broke the deadlock, converting a penalty corner in the 32nd minute.
Deepika soon followed with two quick goals, including a penalty stroke, while Kanika’s field goal further demoralized Malaysia. Deepika completed her hat-trick with another penalty corner conversion in the 48th minute.
With this win, India’s dominant form continues, building on their massive 13-1 victory over Bangladesh the day before.
The defending champions look set to make a deep run in the competition.
Brief Scores:
India 5 (Deepika 37’, 39’, 48’; Vaishnavi Phalke 32’; Kanika Siwach 38’)
Malaysia 0
