Hangzhou, 28th September 2023: In a highly anticipated clash at the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team is set to take on Malaysia in their second Pool A match on Friday. With both teams coming off resounding victories in their opening fixtures, the stage is set for an intense battle on the field.
~ India defeated Singapore 13-0 in their opening game of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022~
The Indian team kicked off their campaign in spectacular fashion, delivering a dominant 13-0 performance against Singapore. Their impressive win showcased their formidable skill and determination, leaving no doubt about their aspirations in this tournament. Malaysia, on the other hand, secured an 8-0 victory over Hong Kong China, underlining their own credentials as a competitive force in Asian field hockey.
When it comes to head-to-head encounters, India enjoys a commanding record against Malaysia. Out of the 17 matches played between the two sides, India emerged victorious in 16, while only one match ended in a draw. Malaysia, despite their best efforts, are yet to taste victory against the Indian Team.
The last time these two teams faced off was in the Women’s Asia Cup 2022, where India registered an emphatic 9-0 win. This recent history will undoubtedly provide India with a boost in confidence as they step onto the field once again to face Malaysia.
With the team’s current form and their dominant track record against Malaysia, India enters this fixture as the clear favourite. However, the world of sports is known for its unpredictability, and Malaysia will be eager to reverse its fortunes against its Indian counterparts.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Savita said, “We’re thrilled with our opening performance against Singapore, and it’s a testament to the hard work and unity within our team. But every game is a new challenge, and Malaysia are a strong opponent. We’re focused, ready, and determined to maintain our winning momentum.”
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Vice Captain Deep Grace Ekka, who scored a goal against Singapore, added, “Our performance against Singapore was commendable, but we now need to move on and focus on the next game as, in a tournament like this, every match brings different challenges and we need to be prepared for them.
“Malaysia is a competitive team, and we can’t underestimate them. Records don’t guarantee the result, so we’ll give our best on the field. Our goal is to play our game, execute our strategies, and bring victory home for India,” she added.
Indian Women’s Hockey Team will next face off against Malaysia on Friday, September 29th, 2023 at 1600 hrs IST.
Schedule of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team:
On 29th September 2023, India Vs Malaysia at 1600 hrs IST
On 1st October 2023, India Vs Korea at 1330 hrs IST
On 3rd October 2023, India Vs Hong Kong China at 0745 hrs IST
The matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and live streamed on Sony Liv.
HOCKEY INDIA TEAM PARTNERS
Odisha (India’s Best Kept Secret) – Major Team Partner
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Shiv Naresh
About HOCKEY INDIA
HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the governing body with exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women’s hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20th May, 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, trains players at sub-junior, junior and senior level. The governing body engages in Coaching the coaches with International Standard certification programs, educates and equips technical officials and umpires to find a foothold in international arena, provides world-class infrastructure and International exposure for the players besides regular international competition. Hockey India has also pioneered in bringing top International hockey events to India such as the FIH Men’s World Cup in 2010 and 2018, FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021, FIH Hockey World League Final in 2017. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India brought the Indian Men’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world. Hockey India is also dedicated to getting the Indian Women’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world.
About ODISHA
Odisha – the Eastern State of India – is known for its love for Hockey and over the years it has evolved to be the Global Hub of Hockey. The State successfully hosted the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, followed by the FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha, FIH Olympic Qualifiers Odisha, and FIH Hockey Pro League 2020-21. Odisha has previously hosted the Champions Trophy 2014 and the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017. Odisha also hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021.
Kalinga Lancers, the team owned by the State, were the winners in the Hockey India League 2017. Taking a step further towards realising the dream of restoring the glory of Indian Hockey at the global level, the State is sponsoring the Indian Hockey Teams till 2033.
Odisha also hosted the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023.
