The Indian women’s hockey team began their Hockey Asia Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic style, dismantling Thailand 11-0 in their opening fixture in China.
It was a performance that not only showcased the team’s attacking depth but also reaffirmed India’s status as one of the frontrunners for the continental crown.
Led by captain Salima Tete and guided by coach Harendra Singh, the side combined flair, structure, and ruthless finishing in a match where every attacking move seemed to flow seamlessly into a goal-scoring opportunity.
India wasted little time in asserting themselves. In just the seventh minute, Mumtaz Khan opened the scoring, finishing off a beautifully worked move down the left. Rutuja Pisal’s precise delivery across the face of goal allowed Mumtaz to dive in and guide the ball home.
Minutes later, it was time for a familiar name to shine again. Sangita Kumari, returning to the squad, doubled the lead with a composed finish after superb stickwork from Sunelita Toppo, who danced her way past defenders before laying off a perfect pass. At the end of the first quarter, India were already 2-0 up and in complete control.
Navneet Kaur Drives the Midfield
One of the standout performers of the night was Navneet Kaur, whose presence at the heart of midfield was instrumental in everything India created. She was relentless in pressing, quick to transition, and incisive with her passing.
Her contributions were central to India’s second-quarter blitz. First, Navneet set up Beauty Dungdung for India’s third, although the goal was officially credited to her. Soon after, she released Lalremsiami, who made no mistake with a sliding poke past the Thai keeper to make it 4-0.
By half-time, the scoreline was 5-0, with Udita Duhan marking her return from injury with a penalty-corner strike. Even though broadcasters missed the live visuals, the scoreline told the story of India’s overwhelming dominance.
Beauty Dungdung’s Hat-Trick
The second half belonged to one player—Beauty Dungdung. The young forward from Simdega showcased her finishing instincts with a clinical hat-trick, underlining her growing importance to India’s forward line.
Her first came through a clever deflection off Udita’s slap shot from a penalty corner in the third quarter. Then, in the fourth, she was perfectly placed to tap in after Navneet once again carved open the Thai defense. Finally, she completed her hat-trick with another opportunistic finish, taking her tally to three goals on debut in the Asia Cup.
Dungdung’s instinctive positioning and composure in front of goal gave India another attacking dimension and added to the already rich goal-scoring spread across the team.
If Dungdung brought flair, Udita Duhan delivered efficiency. Back in the side after a lengthy layoff, she reminded everyone of her penalty-corner prowess. Her first strike just before half-time gave India breathing room, while her second, early in the final quarter, pushed the score to 8-0.
India’s penalty-corner routines were particularly impressive considering they were missing Deepika and Manisha, both regular drag-flickers. The ability of players like Udita and Suman Devi to step up in their absence was a reassuring sign for Harendra Singh’s coaching unit.
Goals Galore Across the Squad
The biggest takeaway from India’s 11-0 demolition was the spread of goals. In addition to Beauty’s hat-trick and Udita’s brace, the scoreboard reflected contributions from across the squad:
- Mumtaz Khan set the ball rolling early.
- Sangita Kumari marked her return with a goal.
- Lalremsiami finished a flowing move for India’s fourth.
- Suman Devi surprised many with a penalty-corner strike, her first at this level.
- Sharmila Devi made it 10-0 with a clever variation from a set-piece.
- Finally, Rutuja Pisal capped off the rout in the last minute, rewarding herself for an industrious display.
This distribution of goals showed India’s depth and balance, proving that the side is not overly reliant on one or two individuals.
While Thailand were clearly outmatched, India’s performance carried hallmarks of a team with bigger ambitions. The passing was crisp, the press was high, and the rotations across midfield and forward lines kept the Thais constantly chasing shadows.
There were brief phases, especially in the third quarter, where India lost some sharpness. But each time, they quickly rediscovered their rhythm, using penalty corners or quick transitions to reassert control. The ability to raise intensity in bursts will be crucial against tougher opponents in the coming days.
Coach Harendra Singh will also take heart from the team’s adaptability. With no Deepika and Manisha, penalty-corner routines had to be reshaped. The variety on display direct flicks, slap shots, deflections, and positional plays demonstrated tactical depth that will be tested against stronger defenses like China and Japan.
India’s 11-0 win is not just a victory; it is a statement. The team has sent an early signal to its rivals that it is here to dominate. With experienced players like Navneet Kaur pulling the strings, youngsters like Beauty Dungdung stepping up with goals, and returnees like Udita and Sangita making immediate impact, the squad looks well-balanced and motivated.
However, sterner challenges lie ahead. Matches against higher-ranked sides in the group stage and potential knockouts will test India’s defensive solidity and composure under pressure. Still, this performance provides the perfect launchpad.
As the tournament progresses, India’s ability to replicate this ruthless efficiency against stronger teams will define their title chances. For now, though, the Salima Tete-led side could not have asked for a better start: 11 goals, a clean sheet, and a perfect statement of intent.
Final Score: India 11–0 Thailand
Goal Scorers: Mumtaz, Sangita, Navneet/Lalremsiami, Udita (2), Beauty Dungdung (3), Suman, Sharmila, Rutuja
