photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Richard Yow
India makes its own history
The Philippines defeated Iran, 4-2, on Friday to win the 2025 Women’s Asia Cup played in the United Arab Emirates. The win came largely thanks to a three-goal outburst in less than three minutes early in the second period, erasing a 1-0 lead the Iranians had built in the opening 20 minutes on a goal by Asal Sadeghi, her 10th of the tournament.
All games were played at the Al Hili Ice Rink in Al Ain, UAE.
Jasmin Cian Alcido scored two goals of the winners, which finished the six-team tournament with a perfect 5-0 record and a goals differential of 37-5. Iran finished second, the only blemish on their record the loss to the gold medallists.
Alcido had a remarkable tournament. She led the event with 18 goals and 24 points in five games, including a seven-goal game against Kyrgyzstan and another five-goal outing against UAE. She scored twice against Malaysia, India, and Iran.
Iran took a unique approach to the event, sending many of its junior players to the tournament in an effort to help their long-term development. Indeed, more than half of the roster was born in 2008 or 2009, and in total some 16 of the 20 registered players were teenagers.
India finished third, with a 1-2-0-2 record which included an historic 5-4 win over the hosts, UAE. This marked the first time the Indian women had defeated the higher-ranked UAE, a result that was hailed within the Indian hockey community with celebratory interest.
“This win is not just about a scoreline,” noted the Logical Indian newspaper. “It is about challenging stereotypes, expanding opportunities, and inspiring young girls across the country to dream big.” The Logical Indian is India's first public-spirited digital publisher committed to amplifying socially relevant and underrepresented stories.
The win could not have been more dramatic. India went ahead 2-0, fell behind, 3-2, took a 4-3 lead and stumbled at the end of regulation, allowing the hosts to tie the game. But in overtime, Stanzin Dolkar scored the winner at 3:26 of the 3-on-3 OT.
India solidified their third-place finish on the final day in another wild game. Despite outshooting Kyrgyzstan, 38-6, the game was tied 2-2 after 65 minutes of play and went to a shootout. Dolkar was the only shooter of 14 skaters over seven rounds to score, giving India the win.
The loss helped pushed UAE to fifth, with a 1-0-1-3 record, which included a surprising 3-0 loss to Malaysia on the final day. With the win, Malaysia leapt into fourth place while Kyrgyzstan finished sixth after losing all five games.
The tournament is one of an increasing number of events run by the IIHF to help develop and promoted hockey in Asia. These events include men and women, senior level and junior level, and all parts of Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Far East.
The Philippines defeated Iran, 4-2, on Friday to win the 2025 Women’s Asia Cup played in the United Arab Emirates. The win came largely thanks to a three-goal outburst in less than three minutes early in the second period, erasing a 1-0 lead the Iranians had built in the opening 20 minutes on a goal by Asal Sadeghi, her 10th of the tournament.
All games were played at the Al Hili Ice Rink in Al Ain, UAE.
Jasmin Cian Alcido scored two goals of the winners, which finished the six-team tournament with a perfect 5-0 record and a goals differential of 37-5. Iran finished second, the only blemish on their record the loss to the gold medallists.
Alcido had a remarkable tournament. She led the event with 18 goals and 24 points in five games, including a seven-goal game against Kyrgyzstan and another five-goal outing against UAE. She scored twice against Malaysia, India, and Iran.
Iran took a unique approach to the event, sending many of its junior players to the tournament in an effort to help their long-term development. Indeed, more than half of the roster was born in 2008 or 2009, and in total some 16 of the 20 registered players were teenagers.
India finished third, with a 1-2-0-2 record which included an historic 5-4 win over the hosts, UAE. This marked the first time the Indian women had defeated the higher-ranked UAE, a result that was hailed within the Indian hockey community with celebratory interest.
“This win is not just about a scoreline,” noted the Logical Indian newspaper. “It is about challenging stereotypes, expanding opportunities, and inspiring young girls across the country to dream big.” The Logical Indian is India's first public-spirited digital publisher committed to amplifying socially relevant and underrepresented stories.
The win could not have been more dramatic. India went ahead 2-0, fell behind, 3-2, took a 4-3 lead and stumbled at the end of regulation, allowing the hosts to tie the game. But in overtime, Stanzin Dolkar scored the winner at 3:26 of the 3-on-3 OT.
India solidified their third-place finish on the final day in another wild game. Despite outshooting Kyrgyzstan, 38-6, the game was tied 2-2 after 65 minutes of play and went to a shootout. Dolkar was the only shooter of 14 skaters over seven rounds to score, giving India the win.
The loss helped pushed UAE to fifth, with a 1-0-1-3 record, which included a surprising 3-0 loss to Malaysia on the final day. With the win, Malaysia leapt into fourth place while Kyrgyzstan finished sixth after losing all five games.
The tournament is one of an increasing number of events run by the IIHF to help develop and promoted hockey in Asia. These events include men and women, senior level and junior level, and all parts of Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Far East.