Potchefstroom: The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team made a winning start to their campaign at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup here on Saturday as they beat Wales 5-1 in their first pool D match. Goals were scored by Lalremsiami (4′), Lalrindiki (32′, 57′), Mumtaz Khan (41′) and Deepika (58′) while Millie Holme (26′) was the lone goal scorer for Wales.
The Indian team, led by Salima Tete, got off the blocks with a swift attack in the first quarter, creating a penalty corner within a few seconds of the start of the match. But the Wales goalkeeper Ffion Horrell was quick to respond with a good save. However, the Indian players were determined to make a strong start and scored in the fourth minute through Lalremsiami’s deflection that beat the Wales goalie.
In the final quarter, India put up an improvised attack that saw them convert the chances with aplomb. Even though their first opportunity came in the 52nd minute when they won another PC, Horrell yet again blocked away from the shot. Lalrindiki was quick to respond as she picked up the rebound and found the gap in India’s third attempt. This helped extend India’s lead to 4-1 while another PC in the 48th minute which was converted by Deepika, helped fetch India their first win with a formidable 5-1 scoreline.
Following the big win, Captain Salima Tete expressed, “I am very proud of the way we played today. We got off to a good start but gave away chances in the second quarter. I am particularly happy about how we came back into the game in the third and fourth quarters, finishing it off really well. Indian Junior Women’s Team will now take on Germany on Sunday.