India Dominates Bangladesh 13-1 in Women's Junior Asia Cup Hockey Opener

By: WE Staff | Monday, 9 December 2024

India started their Women's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament campaign on a exciting note on Sunday, Mumtaz Khan slamming four goals while Kanika Siwach and Deepika each scored a hat-trick, as the defending champions routed Bangladesh 13-1.

Mumtaz (27th, 32nd, 53rd, 58th), Kanika (12th, 51st, 52nd), Deepika (7th, 20th, 55th), Manisha (10th), Beauty Dung Dung (33rd) and vice-captain Sakshi Rana (43rd) were on target for the winners, while Bangladesh's Orpita Pal (12th) was the only goal-scorer for Bangladesh in the Pool A game.

The match was dominated by India quickly, converted their dominance into a goal in the seventh minute through Deepika who deftly converted a penalty corner with a neat flick to give her team the lead.The disparity in team quality was clear from the penalty corners earned, with India securing 12, while Bangladesh earned only one.

Another penalty corner was converted by Manisha just three minutes later, before Kanika scored a field goal in the 12th minute taking advantage of a defensive lapse. Bangladesh had a moment to cheer in the first quarter when they converted their first penalty corner moments after Manisha had scored the third goal for India.

The relentless Indians continued to pressure their opponents in the second quarter, with Deepika scoring a superb field goal in the 20th minute, marking her second goal.With three minutes remaining in the second quarter, India added to their opponents' misery as Mumtaz scored another field goal, bringing the defending champions' tally to 5-1 at halftime.

The third quarter began much like the previous two, with India dominance. Mumtaz scored a field goal in the 32nd minute (6-1), followed by Beauty Dung Dung converting a penalty corner a minute later. Sakshi also added her name to the score sheet with a goal in the 43rd minute (8-1).

In the last quarter India struck three more goals with Kanika slamming two goals in quick succession to bring up her hat-trick. India's tally could have been higher but for Bangladesh goalkeeper Mohua's efforts, who fearlessly warded off a few penalty corners.

Malaysia will be faced by India in their second group game on Monday. The team aims not only to defend its title but also to secure direct qualification for next year's junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile. The four semifinalists will earn automatic entry into the World Cup.