The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team began their campaign at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup with a 5-1 victory over Wales in their first pool D encounter on Saturday. Lalremsiami (4′), Lalrindiki (32′, 57′), Mumtaz Khan (41′), and Deepika (58′) scored for India, while Millie Holme (26′) scored for Wales.
The Indian side, coached by Salima Tete, jumped out to a quick start in the first quarter, scoring a penalty corner just seconds after the game began. Ffion Horrell, the goalkeeper for Wales, was quick to answer with a good save. However, the Indian players were determined to get off to a fast start, and Lalremsiami’s deflection beat the Wales goalkeeper in the fourth minute. While Wales won a penalty corner in the first quarter, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi was outstanding at the post, making several crucial saves.
India remained resolute in their pursuit, building on their second-quarter performance, but the Indian attackers, who produced potential goal-scoring opportunities, were unable to get the ball past Wales’ defence, which was commanded by Horrell, who was sharp at the goal post. Though Millie Holme of Wales knocked one past India in the 26th minute, India made up for their weak second quarter by storming back in the third and fourth quarters.
