~ Manpreet Kaur scores twice in India's opening match win at the U-23 Six Nations Tournament (Women) ~

Antwerp (Belgium), : The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team put up a dominating performance as they beat Ireland 4-1 in their opening match at the U-23 Six Nations Tournament (Women) that began here on Saturday. 

Though the Irish scored the first goal in the 5th minute through Edel Nyland and put India on the back foot, the Indian team led by forward Preeti Dubey overcame the early set back with goals by Jyoti in the 11th minute that equalised the score followed by a field goal by Mumtaz Khan in the 22nd minute. 

The defence of the Indian team held strong as they did not allow any potential forays by the Irish forwards in the striking circle. Meanwhile Indian forwards kept the pressure on Ireland's defence as they scored scintillating goals through Manpreet Kaur in the 28th and 37th minutes to take India's score to a formidable 4-1 and eventually won the match comfortably.   On 15 July 2018, Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team will take on Great Britain at 17.00 hours IST.