Kakamigahara, May 30 -- The Indian U18 Women's Hockey Team started their U18 Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Malaysia in their opening Pool A match in Japan on Saturday.

India's 15-year-old forward Nousheen Naz scored both the goals to secure three points for her team, a release said.

After a goalless first quarter, India ended the deadlock in the 19th minute of the match off a penalty corner, when Nousheen capitalised on an opportunity during a set-piece to place the ball into the net and give India a 1-0 lead.

Continuing her good form, Nousheen struck again in the second quarter. In the 28th minute, she beat the Malaysian goalkeeper with a sharp shot to double India's lead to 2-0 before the hooter signalled hal...