In the first match of the Asia and Oceania U-18 Cup, Uzbekistan's hockey team defeated Iran with a score of 19-0, as reported by the National Olympic Committee's press service.
According to the Uzbekistan Hockey Federation's press service, 14-year-old Salokhiddin Azimov made an excellent debut at this level, scoring a goal in a 3-on-6 format. The Uzbekistan team's goalkeepers didn't have to work too hard, with Alexander An stepping in for Rustam Irgashev towards the end to prevent a possible goal. The expert jury named Ruslan Sultanov as the best player in the match.
Team leader Jashurbek Rustamkhonov, who scored 10 points (3+7) in this game, was ejected for rough behavior. The referees will decide if Rustamkhonov will have to miss the next match.
Uzbekistan U-18 - Iran 0:19 (0:5, 0:7, 0:7). The Uzbekistan team secured a spot in Group A, which includes Thailand, Malaysia, and Kuwait, alongside Iran.
The next match for the Uzbekistan junior team is scheduled for April 25 against Malaysia. The tournament will take place in Tashkent and Samarkand until April 30.
