NAGOYA, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The national women's hockey squad kicked off their Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games campaign by thrashing Kazakhstan 5-0 in their Group A opener today.
Malaysia pressed early at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, limiting Kazakhstan's attacking chances.
Malaysia broke the deadlock in the ninth minute through a field goal by Nuramirah Shakira Zulkifli to take an early lead.
Three minutes later, Malaysia doubled their lead when Khairunnisa Ayuni Sharuddin calmly converted a penalty corner.
Kazakhstan fell further behind when Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar slotted home Malaysia's third goal in the 17th minute.
Nuramirah then scored her second goal in the 21st minute to extend the lead to 4-0.
Malaysia added a fifth goal in the 49th minute as Nur Afiqah converted a penalty stroke.
Malaysia will face Bangladesh in their second group match on Sept 21.
-- BERNAMA