Malaysian girls bag historic bronze at Asian Champions Trophy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian women’s hockey team clinched the bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy after a historic 3-1 win over world No. 7 China in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Saturday.

Malaysia, the world No. 22, were playing in their first-ever Asian Champions Trophy following South Korea’s withdrawal.

In the preliminary round of the four-nation meet, the Malaysians lost their opening two matches to Japan (0-3) and India (1-5). In the third match, they managed to secure a 1-0 win over China. It was Malaysia’s first win over China in a tournament.

On Saturday, Malaysia showed the earlier win over China was not a fluke.

It was the Chinese who took the lead in the 24th minute through Zhao Xia after a penalty corner set piece move.

Rabiatul Adawiyah equalised for Malaysia in the 28th minute off a penalty corner drag flick.

In the second half, Malaysia snatched the lead in the 48th minute. Rabiatul scored her second goal from a field attempt.

Three minutes before full-time, Norhasliza Mohamed Ali scored a penalty corner goal for a convincing win.

Malaysian coach Mohamed Nasihin Nubli was pleased with the bronze medal effort.

“It was totally unexpected. This is a first for Malaysia. We have not won a medal at the Asian level for a very long time. I’m proud of the players for making this possible. China are a top team and to get two wins within a week is big for us,” said Nasihin.

For the record, Malaysia won a bronze in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. They also clinched a bronze in the 1985 Asia Cup in Seoul.

Meanwhile, Japan emerged champions after a 1-0 win over India on Saturday.

South Korea were the champions in the previous two editions in 2011 and 2012.