Inner Mongolia ranks seventh in women's field hockey

Inner Mongolia ranked seventh in the women’s field hockey competition of the 13th National Games, by beating the home team 6:2 in Tianjin on Aug 28.

Field hockey players from Inner Mongolia dominated the match by scoring two goals in the first quarter. During the second quarter, they managed a draw with the Tianjin team. Near the end of the second quarter, Liu Yiying, wearing the No 9 jersey, scored one goal. Wang Lu hit a brace and Zhu Guangjing hit a short corner ball in the last quarter.

“It’s the second time that the women’s field hockey team have played the National Games since being renewed in 2010. Compared to other provinces’ teams, this squad is not strong enough and still has a long way to go,” said coach Wang Yang.

In terms of the team’s ranking, Wang said that it reflected the ability and level of the team.

Field hockey, known as "beikuo" in the Daur language, is a traditional sport with a long history. According to historical evidence, a sport called "hitting a ball while walking", which is similar to the present-day sport of field hockey, was very popular in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

However, it gradually disappeared. It is fortunate that such a tradition has been passed down from one generation to another in the Daur region of Inner Mongolia.

In 1976, the first national hockey team was founded in Morin Dawa Autonomous Banner. The autonomous banner was later called the "Hometown of Field Hockey".

Li Yawei (left) from the Tianjin team dribbles a ball during women’s field hockey competition of the 13th National Games held in Tianjin on Aug 28, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]