Women’s Hockey: The Indian team has made a great start to its campaign in the Under-18 Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2026. In its first match of Pool A on Saturday, the team performed brilliantly and defeated Malaysia 2-1. 15-year-old forward Nausheen Naz emerged as the star of the match, scoring both the goals for India. Naz was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his strong performance. Naz’s brilliant play helped India get three important points.
Nausheen Naaz became the star of the match
In the opening quarter, both the teams tested each other’s defense, but neither team could succeed. India took advantage of more possession and created many chances, but Malaysia’s defense was successful in preventing the Indian team from taking the lead in the first 15 minutes.
India’s lead in the second quarter
India’s hard work finally paid off in the second quarter. In the 19th minute, Nausheen took advantage of the penalty corner opportunity and scored the first goal of the match. The young striker reacted quickly to the set-piece and put the ball into the net to give India a 1-0 lead. Even after this, India continued to attack and just before half time Nausheen Naz scored the second goal for the team. In the 28th minute of the match, he made a sharp finish past the Malaysian goalkeeper and doubled India’s lead.
Malaysia’s comeback attempt
After the break, Malaysia tried hard to make a comeback and the team was seen playing an aggressive game. Malaysia got its first success in the match in the 41st minute, when Noor Ajali beat the Indian defense and goalkeeper to make the score 2-1. After this goal, the Malaysian team appeared full of energy and they continued their aggressive game. However, the Indian defense performed brilliantly and did not give Malaysia any chance to score the second goal. The backline successfully thwarted many attacking moves.
Now the next match is against Korea
With this win, India has come second in Pool A after Korea. Both teams have scored three points each from their opening matches, with Korea on top on goal difference. Now the Indian team will next face Korea on Sunday.
