Japan tops Group B with second ice hockey win over Hungary

Japan continued its strong performance at the IIHF Women's World Championship in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, securing a 5-2 victory over Norway in their opening match. The Japanese team, ranked seventh globally, showcased their skills with key goals from Mei Miura, Akane Hosoyamada, Rui Ukita, Riri Noro, and Akane Shiga. Norway, making its return to the top division after 27 years, managed to score twice but was outpaced by Japan's offensive play. Following this win, Japan also achieved a 5-2 victory against Hungary, marking their second consecutive win in the tournament. The preliminary round includes five nations in Group B, with the top three advancing to the quarterfinals, as Japan aims to reach the semifinals for the first time. The tournament serves as a crucial opportunity for teams to prepare for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.