Potchefstroom (South Africa), April 2 : Indian eve’s made a winning start in the FIH Hockey J or World Cup beating Wales 5-1 in their first pool D match on Saturday. Lalremsiami Hmar (4′), Lalrindiki (32′, 57′), Mumtaz Khan (41′) and Deepika (58′) were the goal scorer for India while Millie Holme (26′) was the lone scorer for Wales. India got off the blocks with swift attack in the first quarter, creating a penalty corner within a few seconds of the start of the match. But the Wales goalkeeper Ffion Horrell was quick to respond with a good save. However, the Indian players were determined to make a strong start and scored in the fourth minute through Lalremsiami’s deflection that beat the Wales goalie. While Wales too won a PC in the first quarter, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi was brilliant at to make valuable saves. India continued to remain resolute in their pursuit as they built on their performance in the second quarter, but the their forwards, who created potential goal scoring opport ties, could not quite put the ball past Wales’ defence led by Horrell who stood strong at the goal post. Though Wales put one past India in the 26th minute through Millie Holme, India made amends to their slow second quarter by bouncing back stronger in the third and the fourth quarters. Wales began the third quarter by earning a PC, which Bichu Devi saved brilliantly. Then, India pumped a goal with Lalrindiki’s perfect deflection off skipper Salima Tete’s assist. Later, Mumtaz Khan took India’s scoreline to 3-1 when she converted a brilliant field goal in the 41st minute. In the final quarter, with less than four minutes left for the final hooter, Deepika helped India to win another PC. which Horrell saved. Ajmina Kujur took another shot from the rebound, which was saved again by Horrell. Then, Lalrindiki was quick to respond as she found a gap in India’s third attempt, which extended India’s lead to 4-1. Another PC in the 58th minute, which was converted by Deepika, helped India fetch their first win with a formidable 5-1 scoreline. BAV ING