For a squad aiming to step on the podium, it was a very sedate start for India in pool ‘A’ of the women’s hockey competition.
There was an unusual and somewhat unexpected resistance from Thailand, which went down 0-13 at the last Asian Games in Guangzhou.
Gathering full points in the opening game may be some consolation on the day when Malaysia restricted the three-in-a-row gold medallist China to a solitary goal.
That both Thailand and Malaysia are emerging as strong opponents in the women’s section underlines a filament of development of the sport in the continent. The Indians probably were complacent until the Thai goalkeeper Tongsun Jesdaporn displayed the reflexes to meet the shots both from the penalty corners and smothered the pressure until Poonam Rani flicked in a penalty corner drive by Sunita Lakra.
But the Thais were keen to defend than to launch an attack.
They concentrated on keeping the attackers in check.
Lacking rhythm
The Indians failed to get into the rhythm that could have unsettled the rivals, but went into over elaboration inside the circle. So much so, India, despite dominating the trend thanks to the good work of the Ranis, Ritu and Poonam, managed to enlarge the lead only during the third quarter from a deflection by Poonam Rani again sending the ball to the roof of the net.
It was Deepika’s turn then to hit the target in the final quarter for the 3-0 win.
India needs one more win - possibly against Malaysia - to ensure a semifinal berth.
From the manner in which the Malays performed it is unlikely to be a cakewalk.
Coach Neil Hawgood acknowledged that the team was unable to break through the defenders consistently but was happy at the eventual outcome. The Korean coach for the Thailand team, Bay Younghoo, was elated that his young team gave Indians a tough time.
The results: Women: Pool A: China 1 (Wu Mengrong) bt Malaysia 0.
India 3 (Poonam Rani 2, Deepika 1) bt Thailand 0.
Japan 14 (Shino Sakai, Kana Namura 2, Shiho Otsuka, Mazuki Arai 2, Akhane Sabata 2, Aki Mitsuhashi, Akaya Nishmura 2, Ono Mayumi 2, Shihori Oikawa ) bt Hong Kong China 0.
Korea 11 (Darae Kim 2, Oh Sunsoon 3, Kim Okju 2, Kim Jongeun 2, Han Hyelyoung, Park Mihyan 2) bt Kazakhstan 0.
Tuesday’s matches: Men: Pool B: China v Sri Lanka (9.30 a.m.); India v Oman (1.30 p.m.); Pool A: Bangladesh v Singapore (11.30 a.m.); Japan v Korea (3.30 p.m.).
