THE Malaysian women’s hockey team created ‘herstory’ when they beat China 3-1 to claim bronze in their inaugural outing in the Third Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara, Japan, yesterday.
It was sweet victory, as coach Nasihin Nubli’s men had also beaten China 1-0 in the pool match.
Yesterday, China took the lead in the 25th minute off a penalty corner attempt, but the Malaysian women put up a brave fight and Rabiatul Adawiyah scored a 28th minute field goal to equalise.
Rabiatul then nailed the lead off a penalty corner attempt in the 42nd minute, and Hasliza Ali made sure with a 67th minute penalty corner goal.
Japan beat India 1-0 for the gold medal.
“It was a monumental win for my players as they never gave up even after China took the lead. In fact, the defenders built a ‘titanium’ wall after China scored and it made the task of the strikers easier to move forward and look for the winning goals,” said Nasihin.
Today, the Malaysian men will face China for the bronze medal. For the record, Malaysia won bronze medals in both the previous editions.
Pakistan and hosts Japan will pay for gold, while India and Oman for fifth-sixth placing.
