Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup: India win inaugural edition after comprehensive win over Thailand

The Indian women’s hockey team won the inaugural Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup on Monday, which also served as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the Women’s Hockey 5s World Cup 2024, defeating Thailand 7-2 in the all-important final.

Subsequently, India qualified for the FIH Women Hockey 5s World Cup Oman 2024, finishing first in the Elite Group. For India, Mariana Kujur (2’, 8’), Monika Dipi Toppo (7’), Jyoti (10’, 27’), Navjot Kaur (23’), and Mahima Choudhary (29’) were on target. For Thailand, Kunjira Inpa (5’) and Sanpoung Kornkanok (5’) were on target.

India made an aggressive start in the opening minutes of the first half as Mariana Kujur (2’) gave India the lead scoring an excellent field goal. However, Thailand scored two goals in quick succession through Kunjira Inpa (5’) and Sanpoung Kornkanok (5’) to put India on the back foot.

India responded immediately through the in-form Monika Dipi Toppo (7’) as she made a brilliant penetration and scored a fine field goal to level the scores. India then took the lead through Mariana Kujur’s strike (8’). With four minutes remaining in the first half, Jyoti (10’) extended India’s lead to 4-2. At the end of the first half, India were leading Thailand by 4-2.

At the start of...

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