India starts Women's ACT title defence with a win against Malaysia

Rajgir, Bihar: The first taste of international hockey for the state of Bihar was a little bittersweet as the Indian women's hockey team defeated Malaysia 4-0 in the women's Asian Champions Trophy opening game on Monday in the historic city of Rajgir.

Hosting its first-ever international hockey tournament, the newly constructed Rajgir Sports Complex witnessed a good crowd as the people of Bihar flocked to watch the International women's hockey stars.

The defending champions India faced an inexperienced Malaysia in the quest for their title defence.

To everyone's surprise, it was Malaysia who had the scoring opportunity as Nur Mohammed got a chance to strike at the Indian goal but Savita Punia stood tall to save India from the blushes.

India's slow start meant that Malaysia earned their first penalty corner but the shot was deflected wide.

The early setbacks jolted India and the team turned up the heat with multiple attacks earning two penalty corners. On the second occasion, after a fumbled stop, Deepika shot the ball toward goal and Sangita Kumari was alert to slot the ball into goal from close range and make it 1-0 for India.

After the first goal, India had multiple chances for field goals and penalty corner goals but the likes of Preeti Dubey, Salima Tete, and Lalremsiami missed chances.

The second quarter was goalless as the Indian team failed to capitalize on all the chances created in the quarter.

The halftime talk from coach Harendra Singh seemed to work for the Indian team as they started playing well in the third quarter and had better chances which were saved by the Malaysian goalkeeper.

With three minutes to go in the third quarter, India earned a penalty corner which was converted by Preeti Dubey as she deflected the direct hit by Navneet Kaur.

This was followed up by another penalty corner, this time Udita stepped up to sound the backboard and make it 3-0 for India ahead of the last quarter.

The match was done and dusted when the final quarter started with Malaysia dropping their shoulders.

Sangita Kumari made a dazzling run in the final third past two defenders into the shooting circle and unleashed a reverse tomahawk to make it a brace for her on the day and end the game in India’s favour.

With the first win in the kitty, the Indian team will settle down in the tournament as they face Korea in their second game tomorrow.

Earlier in the an inexperienced Japan held Korea to a 2-2 and Olympic silver medalist China decimated Thailand 15-0 in the second game.