After months of struggle with funding and gear, the Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team just created history.
The team registered its first victory ever in an international match on Thursday by beating Philippines at the Challenge Cup of Asia fixture held in Bangkok.
India scored the first goal in the second period and ended with the team having a 1-0 advantage.
The last period was of high intensity and both teams scored 3 goals each. But with the lead of 1 goal in the second period, the Indian women's team won the match by 4-3.
This was a much needed victory for the team that have been struggling for a while now, thanks to a nation that mostly only cares about cricket.
The team had to rely on more than 3000 donors who contributed in a crowdfunding platform for training, accommodation, airfares, visa, team jersey, and equipment.
Last year, they participated in the Asia Cup in Taiwan. It was the first time they played on a professional rink.
However, without funds, a proper rink, or training equipment, they continued to battled many hardships.
A few days back, even their participation at the Challenge Cup of Asia was uncertain. Out of the 28 women who were selected for the team, several are women from Ladakh who have reclaimed the erstwhile boys-only sport. With a fund crunch, they started a fundraising campaign, and finally managed to participate in the event. And, win it!
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