Asia Cup hockey: India women in semi-finals
Drag-flicker GurjitKaurnotchedupahat-trickas IndiahammeredKazakhstan7-1 to enter the semifinals of the women’s Asia Cup hockey.
Gurjit was in sublime form as she pumped in three goals (4th, 42nd and 56th minute), while NavneetKaurscoredtwice(22nd and 27th minute).
AndDeepGraceconvertedtwo penalty corners (16th and 41st minute)toensureIndiaremained unbeaten in the tournament.
After an early setback, when VeraDomashnevascoredafield goal in the second minute to give Kazakhstana1-0lead,Indiamade amends when a tactical maneuverinthecirclewonthemaPCin the fourth minute.
The in-form Gurjit hardly broke a sweat to fiercely strike the ball past Kazakhstan goalkeeper Guzal Bakhavaddin and equalise, Hockey India said in a release.TheRaniRampal-ledforward-linewassmartinitsattacks astheycreatedpenaltycornersto put their opponents under pressure.
MARYKOMADVANCES
Five-time world champion M C Mary Kom and debutant Shiksha advanced to the quarterfinals on an all-win day for India at the Asian women’sBoxingChampionships here.The 35-year-oldMaryKom defeatedlocalfavouriteDiemThi TrinhKieuinasplitverdictinthe opening round of the light flyweight (48kg) category.
Alsoenteringthequarterswas Shiksha(54kg)after shedefeated Mongolia’sOyun-ErdeneNergui in her opening bout. She will square off against Ferangiz Koshimova,whogotafirst-round bye.
Mary Kom opened the day for India and it was a sedate start to the proceedings as the Manipuri andherrivalspentthebetterpart of the first three minutes getting a measure of each other.
KAKAMIGAHARA: HOCHIMINHCITY: