The Indian Women’s Hockey Team launched their campaign in the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 with an impressive 4-0 victory against Malaysia, playing in the historic city of Rajgir. Key players Sangita Kumari (8’, 55’), Preeti Dubey (43’), and Udita (44’) each scored, sealing three points for India in a performance marked by strong defensive organization and relentless attack.
India began the match on a slower note, allowing Malaysia’s Nur Mohd an early chance following a well-timed run past India’s defense. However, Indian goalkeeper Savita came to the rescue with a crucial save, preventing an early deficit. Malaysia soon earned a penalty corner, though the attempt went wide. This served as a wake-up call for the Indian team, who quickly regained control and earned two consecutive penalty corners. On the second attempt, Deepika’s shot found Sangita Kumari, who was quick to react and slotted the ball home from close range, giving India a 1-0 lead. Continuing to press, India set up opportunities for Preeti Dubey, though she missed converting on both occasions. As the first quarter concluded, Captain Salima Tete won another penalty corner, but India was unable to capitalize.
India intensified their efforts in the second quarter, repeatedly breaking into the opposition circle, though they struggled to find a finishing touch. Slowing the game’s tempo in search of a clear chance, they continued to press. Lalremsiami’s dynamic baseline run won another penalty corner, though Neha’s shot narrowly missed the post. A final penalty corner at the stroke of halftime didn’t alter the scoreline as India went into the break still leading by a single goal.
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The third quarter continued in similar fashion, with India’s Deepika securing a penalty corner early on. Navneet Kaur’s shot variation was promptly blocked by the Malaysian defense. Shortly after, Malaysia won a penalty corner of their own, but once again, Savita thwarted their attempt. India resumed control, earning another penalty corner with just three minutes left, where Navneet Kaur’s strike found Preeti Dubey, who skillfully deflected the ball in to extend India’s lead to 2-0. Moments later, Udita capitalized on another penalty corner, striking powerfully to make it 3-0 before the final quarter.
In the fourth and final quarter, India continued to press for more goals, with another penalty corner giving Udita a chance to add to her tally. However, Malaysian goalkeeper Siti Nasir denied her this time. With control firmly in their hands, India held Malaysia back and kept creating opportunities. Sangita Kumari then wrapped up the scoring with a spectacular individual effort, weaving through two defenders and unleashing a powerful reverse tomahawk to seal her brace and India’s victory, ending the game with a commanding 4-0 scoreline.