India begin their Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant 11-0 win over Thailand, showcasing attacking brilliance. (Image Credit: NDTV Sports)
India started their 2025 Women's Hockey Asia Cup campaign in stunning manner, thrashing Thailand 11-0 in a comprehensive Pool B game on Friday. India's current world ranking of ninth was not on display as the Indian team displayed their attacking firework against the 30th-ranked Thais, going into halftime 5-0 up.
Udita Duhan and Beauty Dung Dung hit two goals each to lead India's dominating performance. Udita scored in the 30th and 52nd minutes from penalty corners, whereas Dung Dung hit the goals in the 45th and 54th minutes. The others who scored were Mumtaz Khan (7th), Sangita Kumari (10th), Navneet Kaur (16th), Lalremsiami (18th), Thoudam Suman Devi (49th), Sharmila Devi (57th), and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (60th).
India established their dominance right from the start, scoring two field goals from Mumtaz and Sangita during the first quarter. The second quarter was filled with India stepping up their attacks, adding three additional goals. Veteran forward Navneet Kaur and midfielder Lalremsiami struck in succession, and a penalty corner conversion by Udita just before halftime placed India firmly ahead with a 5-0 advantage.
The second quarter was as per the same trend as India continued relentless attacks within Thailand's circle. India scored four penalty corners in the third quarter, with Dung Dung successfully converting one in the 45th minute. The last quarter witnessed India changing gear, adding five more goals to seal the dominating victory. Mumtaz, Udita, and Sharmila scored from penalty corners, while Dung Dung and Rutuja scored field goals to seal the 11-0 thrashing.
The Asia Cup has eight teams with the top two teams from each group proceeding to the Super 4s round. The top two teams in the Super 4s will compete in the final on September 14. India will then play Japan on Saturday, followed by a match against Singapore on September 8.
India had entered the tournament with injured veterans Savita Punia and top drag-flicker Deepika. The winner of the Asia Cup will get a direct quota for the 2026 Women's World Cup being organized in Belgium and the Netherlands. The strong performance against Australia on Friday gives a good platform to Indian campaign, creating confidence as they target a top-two finish in Pool B and a spot in the Super 4s phase.
