Kakamigahara [Japan], May 30 (ANI): The Indian U18 Women’s Hockey Team began their U18 Asia Cup 2026 marketing campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Malaysia of their opening Pool A match in Japan on Saturday.
India’s 15-year-old ahead Nousheen Naz scored each the objectives to safe three factors for her staff, a launch stated.
After a goalless first quarter, India ended the impasse within the nineteenth minute of the match off a penalty nook, when Nousheen capitalised on a possibility throughout a set-piece to put the ball into the online and provides India a 1-0 lead.
Continuing her good kind, Nousheen struck once more within the second quarter. In the twenty eighth minute, she beat the Malaysian goalkeeper with a pointy shot to double India’s result in 2-0 earlier than the hooter signalled half-time.
Malaysia seemed to get well within the second half and ultimately managed to chop India’s lead down to 1 aim within the forty first minute, as Nur Azli breached the Indian submit to cut back the margin to 2-1.
The Indian defence stored the opposition from inflicting additional injury within the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
India created a number of scoring alternatives all through the match and earned a complete of 16 penalty corners. Nousheen was named ‘Player of the Match’ for her two objectives, which proved to be the distinction.
With this win, India are presently positioned second in Pool A behind Korea. Both groups have three factors every however are separated by aim distinction.
India will play Korea of their subsequent pool match on Sunday, May 31, 2026. (ANI)