Asian Games: No medal finish for Malaysia women's hockey team

The Malaysia women's hockey team ended their medal hunt at the 2018 Asian Games after losing 1-3 to Japan in the final Group A match at the Gelora Bung Karno Hockey Field, Jakarta, on Monday.

The Malaysian Tigress, who last celebrated a medal win in 1982, failed to march into the semi-finals after finishing third in Group A behind Japan and China.

The Japanese took the lead in the first half through a field goal from Mami Karino in the 21st minute.

In the second half, Japan continued their domination with Hazuki Nagai scoring a penalty corner goal in the 37th minute.

Malaysia managed to reduce the goal deficit through Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli’s field goal in the 46th minute, but Hazuki confirmed Japan’s ticket to the semis when she scored the team’s third goal three minutes later.

For the record, Malaysia won 8-0 against Hong Kong and 11-0 against Taiwan, but tied 2-2 with China in previous Group A matches.

In another Group A match on the same day, China thrashed Hong-Kong 15-0.

In the semi-finals, Japan will play against defending champions South Korea and China will face India on Wednesday.

As for Malaysia, they will take on Thailand to determine the fifth place finisher.