Indian Women's Ice Hockey team beats Philippines 4-3 to register first ever international win

Courtesy: Twitter (@prasarbharati)

New Delhi: Ending their months of struggle for funds and equipment, the Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team created history by winning their first ever ever international match on Thursday. The girls defeated Philippines at the Challenge Cup of Asia fixture held in Bangkok 4-3.

Scoring their first goal in the second period that ended with the team having a 1-0 advantage. The last period produced a flurry of goals as both teams scored 3 goals each but India emerged victorious with the final 4-3 scoreline.

India had lost its first match against UAE 4-6 on Tuesday.

Struggling massively with financial crisis, the team was supported by more than 3000 donors who contributed in a crowd funding platform for their training, accommodation, air fares, visa, team jersey, and equipment.

Since the sport is mostly played in Kashmir’s Leh, Ladakh and Kargil districts, it has been devoid of major corporate sponsorships thus far.

The Indian women's ice hockey team had earlier participated in the IIHF Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia held at Chinese Taipei in 2016 but had failed to bag even a single win.