In the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy opener held in Ranchi on Friday evening, the Indian hockey team, playing their first home match in a year and a half, secured a resounding victory against Thailand with a score of 7-1. Local player Sangita Kumari showcased a stellar performance, netting a hat-trick to maintain India’s flawless record against the Southeast Asian team in the six encounters between them. Thailand, ranked 29th in the world and the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, made history by scoring their first-ever goal against India when Supansa Samanso found the net in the 22nd minute, defying the flow of the game.
India’s other goals were contributed by Monika (7th), Salima Tete (15th), Deepika (40th), and Lalremsiami (52nd). Despite their clear dominance, India, while managing to score seven goals, fell short of their best performance due to some erratic finishing. The Indian team constantly pressured the Thai defense but struggled with their finishing, which prevented them from reaching a double-digit score. Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Salima, and Sangita had numerous opportunities but missed out on converting in the goal-line chaos. If not for the exceptional performance of Thai goalkeeper Siraya Yimkrajang, who put up a valiant effort in the Thai defense, India could have scored even more goals.
India made 27 circle penetrations, with 19 shots on goal, missing several clear chances. India largely refrained from using aerial balls and instead relied on long, ground passes, taking advantage of Thailand’s inexperienced midfield and defense.
In terms of penalty corners, India had six opportunities but squandered five of them, with local player Salima managing to score from a rebound for the only successful conversion. Many injections from Salima or Ishika Chaudhary were not adequately trapped, let alone directed towards the goal.
On the other hand, Thailand had only two shots on goal and earned just two penalty corners, converting one of them.
The match, which took place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh AstroTurf Hockey Stadium and was witnessed by 8,000 fans, ended with the local heroes, including Savita Punia and her teammates, emerging victorious. However, India will need to elevate their performance when they face Malaysia on Saturday.
In an earlier game, defending champions Japan secured a 3-0 victory over world No.18 Malaysia, with Rika Okagawa (13th), Mai Toriyama (43rd), and Shiho Kobayakawa (54th) contributing to the win. In a surprising turn of events, newly crowned Asian Games champions China suffered a 0-1 defeat to South Korea, with An Sujin scoring the lone goal of the match.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Athul Suresh is a journalism graduate currently enrolled in a Post Graduate program. Additionally, he works as a tutor, specializing in instructing SSC CGL students.
Latest entries
