The Indian Women: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team started their campaign at the Women’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier with a 7-2 win against Malaysia on Friday.
For India, Navjot Kaur (3’, 28’), Akshata Dhekale (4’), Mariana Kujur (17’), Monika Dipi Toppo (12’, 20’), and Mahima Choudhary (28’) were on target. For Malaysia, Wan Wan (7’) and Aziz Zafirah (11’) were on target.
India made an attacking start to their first match with fast-paced set-play, scoring in the third minute through Captain Navjot Kaur (3'). India's lead was doubled a minute later when Akshata Dhekale (4') scored a field goal. Wan Wan's (7') strike gave Malaysia a goal back. Malaysia equalised four minutes before halftime thanks to Aziz Zafirah's (11') flawless conversion of the Challenge Goal. However, India quickly counterattacked and took the lead through Monika Dipi Toppo (12'). At the end of the first half, India were leading Malaysia by 3-2.