Chak De! Indian Women’s Hockey team registers a 3-0 win against Malaysia in bilateral series

Kuala Lumpur, April 11: Dragging a winning streak in the ongoing five-match bilateral series, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team struck a late goal through youngster Lalremsiami to win the match 1-0 against hosts Malaysia and also register a 3-0 Series win on Wednesday.

 

India won the first two matches 3-0 and 5-0 followed by a 4-4 draw in their previous match. In their fourth match on Wednesday, young talent Lalremsiami’s sensational 55th minute goal ensured the team secured a narrow win, that saw Malaysia give their all to put up a defensive game. Though it was Malaysia who made a strong start with an early penalty corner (PC) in the first minute of the game, a very alert India goalkeeper Savita made a good save.

India too earned a PC in the following minute but did not succeed. With India’s ace drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur missing the tour due to an injury, they lost out on five penalty corner opportunities in this game. But the team did well to sustain pressure with tight marking inside the circle giving Malaysia no real chance to take a shot on goal.

Having missed out on PCs, India looked for a potential opportunity, and Navneet Kaur set up a splendid goal for Lalremsiami who made a diving effort to help India win.

Speaking about leading 3-0 in the series, coach Marijne said, “Winning is fine but what’s more important for me if that we play good, structured hockey. If we tick the right boxes, winning will eventually happen and I would like to see us end the last match tomorrow on the same lines as we played the third and fourth quarters today-- fewer mistakes and good energy.”