MUSCAT, AUG 28
India smashed Thailand 7-2 in the final to clinch the first Women's Hockey5s Asia Cup in Salalah on Monday.
India led their rivals 4-2 at the half-time.
In the semifinals, India beat Malaysia 9-5 while Thailand got the better of Indonesia 5-2.
Both India and Thailand along with third-placed Malaysia booked their slots in the Hockey5s World Cup to be hosted by Muscat’s Al Amerat Stadium from January 24 to 31, 2024.
Elite team Malaysia edged out black horses Indonesia in the play-off for the third place 2-1 in penalty shoot-out after a 4-4 draw at the regulation time.
Late on Sunday, Indonesia stunned Elite team Japan 2-1 while Malaysia beat Hong Kong 5-3 in the cross-over matches to earn their semifinal spots.
DOMINATING PERFORMANCE
At the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex courts, India struck the first goal in the final when Mariana Kujur scored in the second minute.
The Thai girls quickly recovered and threatened the Indian goalmouth.
Kunjira Inpa scored the equaliser in the fifth minute and Kornkanok Sanpoung’s ‘Challenge goal’ put them in the lead 2-1.
India, backed by sizeable supporters in the Salalah stadium, attacked with purpose and Dipi Monika Toppo found the equaliser in the seventh minute.
Mariana Kujur netted her second goal as India retook the lead in the next minute.
A good goal by Jyoti raised India’s lead to 4-2 in the 10th minute.
In the second-half, India maintained control of the match as Thailand were denied possession.
Navjot Kaur made it 5-2 in the 23rd minute. Jyoti found her second goal in the 27th minute as India led 6-2.
Mahima Choudhary completed the 7-2 scoreline with a good strike one minute before time.
JAPAN FIFTH
Japan finished fifth when they beat Hong Kong 5-3 in the play-off for fifth-sixth position.
Chinese Taipei thrashed Bangladesh 8-5 to take the seventh spot. The scores were level at 4-4 at half-time.
Iran repeated a win against hosts Oman by 6-1 to end at ninth putting Oman last.
Tournament Awards
Top-scorer of the tournament: Pal Orpita (Bangladesh)
Promising goalkeeper: Solanki Bansari (India)
Best goalkeeper: Rombiak Iryani (Indonesia)
Rising star player: Muhammad Zati (Malaysia)
Best player: Aunjai Natthakaran (Thailand)
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