Holders India thrashed minnows Malaysia 9-0 to start out their title defence on an emphatic be aware on the ladies’s Asia Cup hockey match on Friday.
The Indians scored 4 objectives apiece within the first two quarters earlier than returning again to pump in 5 extra within the final two quarters.
With 4 World Cup spots at stake from this match, India began a bit slowly however obtained their grip because the match progressed.
It didn’t take India too lengthy to take the lead by means of Vandana Katariya, who tapped in an open aim after being arrange by high quality one-two between Navneet Kaur and Sharmila Devi.
The Indians stepped up the stress and secured their first penalty nook quickly but it surely went wasted.
The Indians stored up the stress on the Malaysian defence and earned two penalty corners in fast time, the second of which was brilliantly transformed by Deep Grace Ekka.
Navneet Kaur then scored with a fierce reverse hit from prime of the circle at hand India a commanding 3-0 on the finish of the primary quarter.
Seconds into the second quarter, India earned one other penalty nook however Gurjit Kaur’s flick was saved by the Malaysian defence.
Navneet scored her second aim of the day minutes from the breather with one other highly effective hit from prime of the D as India went into halftime with a 4-0 lead.
Just after the change of ends, Neha Goyal scored India’s fifth aim earlier than an unmarked Lalremsiami discovered the again of the Malaysian internet to steer 6-0. Monika quickly registered her identify within the scoresheet to increase India’s lead.
The Indians continued their onslaught when Navjot Kaur scored the workforce’s eighth aim simply after the beginning of the fourth and ultimate quarter.
Sharmila Devi made it 9-0 5 minutes from the ultimate hooter, tapping in from shut vary.
The defending champions are grouped in Pool A together with Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.
The Indians will subsequent play towards Japan on Sunday earlier than squaring off towards Singapore of their ultimate pool sport on January 24.
