India's performance during the opening of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 has been an awe to watch. India delivered a dominant performance, defeating Malaysia 4-0 on November 11, 2024. With a commanding victory at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar, India has secured the 9th rank in the Hockey Rankings and second in the Asian Champions Trophy leaving behind the People's Republic of China in the points table.
The match was led by forward Sangita Kumari with a brace (8', 55') whereas defenders Preeti Dubey and Udita added to the score with (43') and (44') respectively. Team India defenders led by Savita Punia took the match dominantly, as Malaysia, ranked world no. 23 earned the first penalty corner during the fifth minute of the match but the Indian defenders cleared swiftly and therefore secured a series of penalty corners in the next minutes.
India secured the 1-0 lead against Malaysia in the eighth minute, due to Deepika's strike following Sangita's deft deflection. India had several chances in the first half, but Sangita Kumari's goal was the only difference. After Malaysia threatened to equalize, India converted two of their next three penalty corners to go 3-0 up where Preet Dubey's hit post made it 2-0 and Udita's low strike made 3-0 in the next minute. During the 55th minute, Sangita Kumari's quick reverse hit made it 4-0 securing victory.
India is set to face the Republic of Korea in their next match.
