Women's Asian Champions Trophy: Sangita Kumari's hat-trick guides India to 7-1 win over Thailand

Ranchi: Promising Sangita Kumari slammed a hat-trick to guide India to a dominating 7-1 win over Thailand in their opening match of the women’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Friday. Asian Games bronze medallists India were by far the better side on display as they scored goals through Sangita (29th, 45th, 45th minutes), Monika (7th), Salima Tete (15th), Deepika (40th) and Lalremsiami (52nd). Thailand’s lone goal was scored by Supansa Samanso in the 22nd minute. The Indians started on an attacking note but the Thai defence managed to keep the hosts at bay to break into the D. But in the seventh minute, India took the lead through Monika who outsmarted the Thai defence to create open space from the outside circle after receiving a pass from the right side, and unleashed a strong hit into the board. Deepika secured a penalty corner for India minutes later but it went wasted as Sonika failed to stop Ishika’s injection. A minute later, Deepika shot wide from close range to waste a bright chance. But just at the stroke of first quarter, Salima scored from a penalty corner to double India’s lead. Two minutes into the second quarter, Thailand earned a penalty corner but the Indian defence was upto to the task. Thailand, however, pulled a goal back in the 22nd minute from a penalty corner. Seconds later, Salima missed a golden chance. She just needed to deviate her stick and score from close range but failed. In the 27th minute, Navneet Kaur’s diving effort was denied by the Thai goalkeeper. India managed to extend their two-goal cushion two minutes later when Sangita Kumari pushed the ball in from a rebound after the initial effort was saved by Thai goalkeeper. After the change of ends, the Indians continued their attacking game and pressed the Thai defence hard but without any success. In the 39th minute, Lalremsiami earned another penalty corner for India but Neha’s hit was way off the target. A minute later, Deepika sounded the board again after receiving a pass from Vandana Katariya as India led 4-1. The Indian continued their domination and added a fifth goal when Sangita scored her second of the day. Seconds later, local girl Sangita scored a hat-trick with another field strike. A minute into the fourth and final quarter, India secured another penalty corner but vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka was off the target. India extended their lead minutes later through Lalremsiami just eight minutes from the final hooter. India will next play Malaysia on Saturday.