India secured a dominant 8–1 victory over Macau in the U-18 Ice Hockey Asia Cup in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with captain Gurtej Singh Bhatti delivering an outstanding performance by scoring four goals.
The Indian side got off to a strong start, establishing an early lead and maintaining control throughout all three periods. Ajay Dangi from Rajasthan opened the scoring, setting the tone for the match. Bhatti’s four-goal haul powered the team forward, while Itfiqar Hussain, Tanzin Tashi and Devansh Sharma each contributed a goal to complete the tally.
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“We began with clear intent and kept up the tempo across all three periods. The team created solid chances and converted effectively. A quick reassessment and response helped us come back even stronger in the third period. While it’s a great result, our focus remains on maintaining consistency in the upcoming games,” Bhatti said.
Harjinder Singh, General Secretary of the Ice Hockey Association of India, praised the team’s performance and growth on the international stage.
“This win over Macau sends a strong message from this young Indian squad. The players showed remarkable composure and adaptability, maintaining firm control throughout the match. It reflects not only their skill but also increasing maturity and confidence,” he said.
The tournament features teams from Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Macau (China), and India.