The Indian women's hockey team got off to a roaring start at the Women’s Asia Cup 2017 with a dominating 10-0 victory over Singapore on Saturday.
Navneet Kaur (3rd & 41st minutes), Rani (15th & 18th) and Navjot Kaur (30th & 50th) each scored two goals, while Lalremsiami (18th), Deep Grace Ekka (25th), Gurjit Kaur (41st) and Sonika (45th) scored one each to ensure India took home all the points from its opening Pool A match.
India began with positive intent by attacking Singapore’s circle constantly, looking for an opportunity to score.
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The effort worked as the team won back-to-back penalty corners in the first quarter. Though the first PC was saved by Singapore goalkeeper Felissa Lai, it hardly dented India’s spirit as it was precise in its counter.
Navneet and Rani’s goals in the 3rd and 15th minute that gave India a 2-0 lead in the first quarter. India continued its fine run in the second quarter as well, adding four more goals, to go into the half-time with an imposing 6-0 lead.
After Grace scored off a PC in the 25th minute, drag-flicker Gurjit was fierce in her strike to score India’s seventh goal through another PC in the 41st minute. The side stayed resolute and continued to put pressure on Singapore’s defense, pumping two more goals in the third quarter through Navneet and Sonika.
The final 15 minutes saw India win back-to-back PCs but the Singapore defense held on to thwart the Indians' advances.
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However, a quick-thinking Navjot scored a field goal in the 50th minute to earn her team a 10-0 lead. India’s defense, meanwhile, put up a strong display throughout the match.
Earlier in the day, China beat Malaysia 5-4 in a closely fought encounter.
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