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India's women's hockey team made a strong start to their campaign in the Asian Champions Trophy, defeating Malaysia 4-0 at the Rajgir Sports Complex on Monday. The hosts showcased their dominance throughout the match, securing all three points on offer. Sangita Kumari emerged as the star of the show, netting two goals, while Preeti Dubey and Udita added one goal each to seal the victory. Despite the impressive win, the team displayed some inconsistencies in their performance, missing several chances in open play and penalty corners. Harendra Singh, the coach, acknowledged the missed opportunities but remained positive about the team's performance. He expressed pride in creating 32 chances and 12 shots on goal in the first half alone, highlighting the team's attacking intent. He attributed the team's improved performance in the third quarter to his halftime instructions, encouraging the players to play simple, stay focused, and enjoy the moment.
India's first goal came in the 8th minute after they won their second penalty corner. Lalremsiami cleverly played the ball to Deepika, who then sent a pass to Sangita, who skillfully slotted the ball past the Malaysian goalkeeper. While India attempted to extend their lead, they seemed to struggle with finishing, reminiscent of their challenges during the Olympics qualifiers in Ranchi. However, with the crowd's enthusiastic support, the Salima Tete-led team turned the tide towards the end of the third quarter. Preeti, who had missed two easy chances in the first quarter, finally doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, deflecting in Navneet's shot from a penalty corner. Just a minute later, Udita added another goal, scoring directly from a penalty corner. The final goal came in the 55th minute, showcasing the team's collective effort. Starting from their own half, a series of three passes led to Sangita receiving the ball, who then skillfully executed a reverse flick to find the back of the net, ending the match on a high note.
Beyond the impressive victory, Coach Harendra Singh implemented a strategic plan to test his players in different positions. He experimented with moving Sharmila, a usual central striker, to the right wing, Vaishnavi, a midfielder, to a defensive role, and Jyoti to a new position as well. This approach aims to prepare the team for the demanding challenges ahead, building their adaptability and flexibility. The team will look to maintain their winning momentum when they face South Korea in their next match, scheduled for Tuesday. The match against South Korea promises to be a tough encounter, but India will be confident after their dominant performance against Malaysia. The team's ability to capitalize on their chances and maintain their defensive solidity will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match.
Source: India beat Malaysia 4-0 in opener ahead Of 2nd match against South Korea in Asian Champions Trophy