PH indoor hockey teams lose big to Thais in SEA Games 2023

Photo from Larong Hockey sa Pilipinas, Inc.

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine men’s and women’s indoor hockey teams absorbed a rude welcome from Thailand in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games at Chroy Changvar Convention Center in Cambodia on Monday.

The Philippine men’s indoor hockey team suffered a 14-0 blowout at the hands of Thailand, which was led by Warun Boonpea’s five goals.

Boonpea unleashed three straight goals in a span of six minutes in the third quarter as the Thais unloaded six goals in the period.

Warawut A-nukoon was also instrumental with four goals, while Anuson Suyaram contributed a couple for the Thais.

Meanwhile, the Philippine women’s indoor hockey squad also received a baptism of fire from the Thais,  yielding 8-0.

Jiratchaya Todkaew and Wilawan Duangwao fired two goals each to lead the Thai national team’s rout.

The Thais dominated the Filipinos right from the get-go, unloading four goals in the first quarter.

The Philippine squads seek to bounce back when they battle the teams from Singapore next.

Indoor hockey is returning after not being included in last year’s Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Thailand finished runner-up in both divisions in 2019 in Manila, while Malaysia is eyeing its third straight title in the men’s division after ruling the past two biennial meets including its inaugural tournament in 2017 during its hosting.

Thailand was the first women’s champion in 2017 before Malaysia earned the title in the Manila SEA Games.