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Defending champions India commenced their campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Rajgir with a resounding 4-0 victory over Malaysia on Monday, November 11, 2024. The Indian team showcased their dominance throughout the match, scoring goals at crucial moments to secure the win.Sangita Kumari opened the scoring for India in the 8th minute, giving her team an early lead. The Malaysian defense struggled to contain the Indian attack, and Preeti Dubey extended India's advantage in the 43rd minute. Udita followed suit just a minute later, making it 3-0 for India. Sangita Kumari sealed the victory with her second goal in the 55th minute, completing a comprehensive performance by the Indian team.In other matches of the day, Japan and Korea played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Olympic silver medallist China displayed their prowess with a dominant 15-0 victory over Thailand. The tournament promises to be an exciting affair, with several top teams vying for the title.India will next face South Korea on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in their second match of the tournament. The Indian team will be aiming to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position at the top of the standings.

India to Defend Women's Asian Champions Trophy Title in BiharTwo-time champions India will embark on their title defense in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, scheduled to commence on November 11 in Bihar. The tournament will witness the participation of six teams, including hosts India, China, three-time winners Korea, two-time champions Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.The tournament, to be held in Rajgir, will conclude on November 20, as per the official schedule announced by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). India emerged victorious in the 2016 edition in Singapore and reclaimed the title in Ranchi last year.India's opening match will be against Malaysia on November 11, followed by a clash with Korea on November 12. They will then face Thailand (November 14), China (November 16), and Japan (November 17).The top four teams after the round-robin format will advance to the semifinals on November 19, with the summit clash scheduled for November 20.AHF president Dato Fumio Ogura expressed his confidence in the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, stating, "The Rajgir Hockey Stadium stands as a symbol of the region's commitment to fostering world-class sports, and we are confident that it will provide an exceptional experience for players and fans."Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey highlighted the significance of the event for Bihar, saying, "The newly constructed Rajgir Hockey Stadium will serve as the perfect stage for this prestigious tournament, and we are excited to see India defend their title against some of the best teams in Asia."The tournament promises to showcase high-level hockey action, with India aiming to retain their title and other teams eager to challenge their dominance.

India's men's hockey team, fresh off their bronze medal triumph at the Olympics, is aiming to continue their winning streak at the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy. Their next challenge comes in the form of Malaysia, a team they will face on Wednesday in Hulunbuir.India's recent success has been built on their newfound ability to score field goals, a skill that will be crucial against Malaysia. The team has looked more enterprising in this tournament, seizing opportunities up front while maintaining a solid defense.India began their title defense with a 3-0 victory over hosts China, followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Japan. In both matches, the young Indian forwards have impressed, reducing the reliance on star dragflicker and captain Harmanpreet Singh.In contrast, Malaysia, the runners-up in the previous edition, has struggled so far, with one loss and a draw. They will be eager to turn things around against India.