Kazakhstan women continued their dominance of indoor hockey in Asia as they picked up their fourth consecutive Women’s Indoor Asia Cup title in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand recently.

They successfully defended their title against hosts Thailand, Uzbekistan, Hong Kong and Cambodia in the five team event which took place earlier in August.

Thailand picked up the silver medals while Uzbekistan won bronze as they defeated Hong Kong in the bronze medal game.

At the conclusion of the event, all teams were celebrating however. Hong Kong athletes picked up two awards as Chan Yin Ching Tiffany picked up Player of the Tournament and Yip Ting Wai won Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Cambodia were awarded the Fair Play Trophy. The tournament’s top goal scorer was Natalya Gataulina from Kazakhstan.

The final provided plenty of excitement for spectators in what was a six goal thriller.

Thailand found the net first, scoring on their second circle entry as Tikhamporn Sakunpithak scored from open play. 

Several goals were then scored within quick succession. Kazakhstan captain Natalya Gataulina took advantage of a penalty stroke less than a minute after Thailand's goal. A field goal from Thailand's Kanya Jantapet then followed before Kazakhstan’s Natalya Sazontova levelled the score - all goals coming within a space of two minutes.

At the start of the second half Kazakhstan dominated again, and helped by an advantage in numbers after a yellow card for Thailand’s Kanya Jantapet, Natalya Gataulina scored to put Kazakhstan ahead for the first time in the match. 

Back at full strength, Thailand tried their best to stay in the game, but they couldn't score that all important goal to level the game. 

Towards the end of the match, Kazakhstan starting pushing back and Irina Dobrioglo extended the lead for Kazakhstan to make it 4-2.

Two goals and a player down after a yellow card for Tikhamporn Sakunpithak, Thailand could not get back in the game before the final whistle, giving Kazakhstan their fourth consecutive Women’s Indoor Asia Cup title.

Gold Medal game: Kazakhstan 4, Thailand 2.
Bronze Medal game: Uzbekistan 2, Hong Kong China 1

Final Rankings:
1. Kazakhstan
2. Thailand
3. Uzbekistan
4. Hong Kong China
5. Cambodia

For more information about this event and all other hockey news from the Asian continent, click here.

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