The Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 kicked off with a bang in Salalah, Oman, marking a historic moment in the world of field hockey. This tournament not only represents the pinnacle of Hockey5s competition in Asia but also serves as the gateway for three teams to qualify for the prestigious FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024. With host nation Oman already securing their spot, the battle for supremacy and qualification is fierce among the participating nations. In this article, we will delve into the highlights of day one, the unique format of the event, and the prospects of the teams aiming for glory in Salalah.
The Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 introduces a dynamic and fast-paced version of field hockey to the Asian stage. Hockey5s, a variant of traditional field hockey, is played with five players per team on a smaller pitch. The format is known for its high-speed gameplay, quick thinking, and exciting goal-scoring opportunities. Salalah, Oman, is the perfect backdrop for this revolutionary tournament, where eight Asian nations are vying for supremacy.
The tournament features both men’s and women’s competitions, with ten teams competing in the women’s event and eleven in the men’s. The participating nations are:
Men’s Competition
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan
Women’s Competition
Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Chinese Taipei, Thailand
The Women’s competition began on August 25 and will run until August 28, followed by the Men’s event, which will be held from August 29 to September 2. The tournament introduces an innovative format, categorizing teams into two pools: the Elite Pool and the Challenger Pool. This format ensures balanced competition and offers every team a chance to shine.
Day 1 Highlights: Excitement Unleashed
The first day of the Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 witnessed eight thrilling matches, each packed with breathtaking moments and impressive displays of skill.
Indonesia vs. Bangladesh (Challenger Pool)
The tournament’s inaugural match pitted Indonesia against Bangladesh in the Challenger Pool. Indonesia emerged victorious with a score of 7-4, showcasing their dominance throughout the game. The match’s standout players were INDIRA Nisa, RONSUMBRE Paulina, and ANISA Nur from Indonesia, and PAL Orpita from Bangladesh, who received the Player of the Match award.
Chinese Taipei vs. Iran (Challenger Pool)
In the second match of the day, Chinese Taipei and Iran clashed in the Challenger Pool. Both teams demonstrated enthusiasm for this new format, but Chinese Taipei secured the win with an 8-3 scoreline. YANG Wan Wen was the standout player, earning the Player of the Match award.
Hong Kong China vs. Oman (Challenger Pool)
Hong Kong China faced the local team, Oman, in the third match of the day. Hong Kong China’s girls in red showcased their prowess, outclassing Oman with an impressive 16-0 victory. CHAN Tiffany received the Player of the Match award for her standout performance.
India vs. Malaysia (Elite Pool)
The first Elite Pool match of the tournament featured two powerhouses of the sport: India and Malaysia. India dominated the game, securing a 7-2 victory. Dhekale Akshata Abaso was named the Player of the Match.
Hong Kong China vs. Iran (Challenger Pool)
Hong Kong China continued their winning streak in the Challenger Pool by defeating Iran 9-2. McNEIL Kirsten earned the Player of the Match award for her outstanding contribution.
Chinese Taipei vs. Bangladesh (Challenger Pool)
Chinese Taipei and Bangladesh returned to the field for their second match of the day. Bangladesh secured their first win in the tournament with a 10-5 victory. RIYA Airin received the Player of the Match award for her stellar performance.
Oman vs. Indonesia (Challenger Pool)
Oman and Indonesia faced off in their second match of the tournament. Indonesia continued their winning streak, defeating Oman 6-2. INDIRA Nisa was once again a standout player, contributing to Indonesia’s victory.
Japan vs. Thailand (Elite Pool)
In the second Elite Pool match, Japan and Thailand battled it out. Thailand emerged victorious with a 5-1 scoreline. AUNJAI Natthakarn received the Player of the Match award.
The Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 has burst onto the scene in Salalah, Oman, bringing a new era of excitement and innovation to Asian field hockey. The dynamic format, fast-paced gameplay, and spirited performances have already set the stage for a tournament to remember. With three qualifying spots up for grabs for the FIH Hockey5s World Cup 2024, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more exhilarating matches and extraordinary displays of skill and teamwork from the talented athletes representing their nations. The Women’s Hockey5s Asia Cup 2023 promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the history of Asian field hockey, and we eagerly await the crowning of the inaugural champions.
