Post by : Raman

Photo : Hockey India

India’s women’s hockey team began their 2025 Asia Cup campaign with a spectacular 11-0 victory over Thailand in the Pool B match held on Friday. Ranked ninth in the world, India dominated the game from the first whistle, taking on Thailand, ranked 30th, with total control and confidence.

Early Dominance Sets the Tone

India led 5-0 at half time, showing clear superiority in skill, speed, and strategy. The Indian team earned nine penalty corners in the first half and successfully converted five of them. Thailand, on the other hand, struggled to create any meaningful scoring opportunities and did not earn a single penalty corner.

Experienced forward Mumtaz Khan opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a brilliant field goal. She was quickly followed by Sangita Kumari in the 10th minute. Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami added more goals in the 16th and 18th minutes, showing India’s attacking depth. Udita Duhan struck in the 30th minute through a penalty corner just before half time, giving India a commanding 5-0 lead.

Second Half: India Keeps Up Pressure

After the break, India maintained their high intensity. Udita Duhan scored her second goal in the 52nd minute, once again from a penalty corner. Beauty Dung Dung contributed significantly, scoring twice in the 45th and 54th minutes. Thoudam Suman Devi (49th), Sharmila Devi (57th), and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (60th) added the final goals, sealing the massive 11-0 victory.

Throughout the match, India displayed excellent teamwork, sharp passing, and strong circle penetration. The forwards and midfielders pressed Thailand relentlessly, leaving them little room to organize any counterattacks. The combination of field goals and penalty corners highlighted India’s versatility in attack.

Notable Performances

• Udita Duhan – scored two goals, both from penalty corners.

• Beauty Dung Dung – scored two field goals, showcasing her speed and precision.

• Mumtaz Khan, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Thoudam Suman Devi, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal – all scored crucial goals, contributing to India’s overwhelming win.

Tournament Context

The 2025 Women’s Asia Cup features eight teams divided into two pools. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Super 4s stage, with the top two teams from the Super 4s qualifying for the final on September 14. India, even without key players veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia and star drag-flicker Deepika, showed that they are a strong contender for the title.

Path Forward

After this match against Thailand, India will face Japan on Saturday, followed by their final pool match against Singapore on September 8. The team aims to carry forward this momentum into the Super 4s and ultimately secure qualification for the 2026 Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

India’s commanding 11-0 victory over Thailand not only highlighted their technical superiority but also sent a strong message to the other competing teams in the Asia Cup. With their forwards and midfielders in top form, India looks well-prepared to challenge for the title and secure a spot at the next Women’s World Cup.

India women hockey, Asia Cup 2025, India vs Thailand, Udita Duhan, Beauty Dung Dung