The win was just the tonic the Malaysian Tigress needed as they aim to win the title, earn an automatic spot in next year’s Women’s FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia, and improve on their third-placing finish last year.

Head coach Mohd Rodzhanizam Mohd Rodzi was full of praise for his charges, saying they showed good discipline en route to chalking up such a huge opening win.

He said the victory would boost the players’ confidence ahead of their second Group A match against Oman later today at 7.45 pm Malaysian time.

“The players knew the importance of scoring as many goals as possible. They capitalised on every opportunity. Although they made some mistakes, they managed to overcome them. They played well.

“However, we cannot and will not give Oman any opportunities later today. We also must not take them lightly,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) today.

Earlier, in the opening tie at the Thailand National Sport University (TNSU) in Chonburi, the Malaysian Tigress got their goals through Nur Atira Mohamad Ismail (1st, 15th, 28th, 34th, 36th minutes); Raja Norsharina Raja Shahbuddin (3rd, 25th); Iren Hussin (4th, 30th, 38th); Siti Nur Arfah Mohd Nor (5th, 11th, 19th, 20th, 20th, 27th); Putri Nur Batrisyia Nor Nawawi (7th, 28th, 32nd); Nor Asfarina Isahyifiqa Isahhidun (9th, 40th); Nuraslinda Said (13th); Juliani Mohamad Din (22nd, 35th); and Fazilla Sylvester Silin (40th).

Tomorrow, the Malaysian Tigress will meet Kazakhstan and Iran.