Hangzhou, China – India kicked off their campaign in the women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament with a stunning 11-0 victory over Thailand. Udita Duhan and Beauty Dung Dung each netted two goals, showcasing India’s offensive strength.
Udita scored her goals in the 30th and 52nd minutes from penalty corners, while Dung Dung found the net in the 45th and 54th minutes. Other goals came from Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Thoudam Suman Devi, Sharmila Devi, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal.
Ranked ninth in the world, India dominated Thailand, which is ranked 30th. They led 5-0 at halftime. India secured nine penalty corners in total, converting five, while Thailand couldn’t earn a single penalty corner throughout the match.
In the first quarter, early goals from Mumtaz and Sangita set the tone. India continued to press, scoring three additional goals before the halftime break. Navneet and Lalremsiami scored quickly, followed by a corner conversion from Udita.
The trend continued in the second half as India maintained relentless pressure. They earned more penalty corners, with Dung Dung converting one in the 45th minute. The final quarter saw India score five more goals, solidifying their win.
This Asia Cup features eight teams, with the top two from each pool moving on to the Super 4s. These teams will compete for a chance to play in the final on September 14. The tournament’s winner will qualify for the 2026 Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
India is competing without key players Savita Punia and Deepika due to injuries, yet they have shown resilience and depth in their lineup. After defeating Thailand, India will face Japan next and conclude their pool matches against Singapore on September 8.
Insights and Context
Historically, India has been a strong competitor in women’s hockey. Their performance this year mirrors their growth in the sport, a testament to increased investment and support for women’s athletics globally. According to a recent study by the Women’s Sports Foundation, participation in women’s sports has significantly increased over the past decade, leading to greater visibility and support.
On social media, fans expressed excitement about India’s performance, with trending hashtags highlighting their strong start. As more countries invest in women’s sports, we can anticipate even more competitive and thrilling tournaments ahead.
Amid growing interest in women’s hockey worldwide, India’s performance may also inspire younger generations to take up the sport, creating a future filled with potential.
For more information on women’s hockey and its development, check out the International Hockey Federation’s official website here.
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