Women Hockey: Indian team’s excellent performance continues in the Under-18 Women’s Asian Cup. After defeating Malaysia in the first match, India registered a resounding 3-1 win against Korea in their second match of Pool A. Nausheen Naz, Shruti Kumari, and Kiran Ekka scored goals for India in this match. The beginning of the match was excellent for the Indian team. In the opening quarter, the team got a penalty stroke, of which Nausheen took full advantage and scored a goal in the fourth minute of the match, giving India a 1-0 lead.
Shruti Kumari increased India’s lead
The Indian team maintained its dominance on the ball and doubled its lead in the second quarter. Shruti scored a brilliant goal in the 21st minute, giving India a comfortable 2-0 lead at the half-time break. After the break, Korea tried to make a comeback and made the score 2–1 in the third quarter when Gyeongmin Ryu scored in the 41st minute to make the score 2–1.
Kiran Ekka’s decisive goal
However, India soon regained the two-goal lead. Player of the match Kiran Ekka successfully converted a penalty corner in the 43rd minute, taking India’s lead to 3-1 and completely controlling the match. The Indian team remained disciplined even in the last quarter, and did not give Korea a chance to score any more goals. The Indian team won four penalty corners and one penalty stroke during the match, while Korea won two penalty corners.
India on top in Pool A
After winning their opening two matches against Malaysia and Korea, India are now at the top of the Pool A standings with six points. The team will face Singapore in its last match of the group stage on June 2, where the Indian team will try to maintain its winning streak for the third consecutive match.