India thrash Thailand 11-0 in opening match of Women’s Asia Cup Hockey

Hangzhou (China), September 5 – India began their Women’s Asia Cup Hockey campaign in emphatic fashion on Friday, defeating Thailand 11-0 in a Pool B encounter. The victory was powered by two goals each from Udita Duhan and Beauty Dung Dung, with several other players also finding the net.

Udita scored in the 30th and 52nd minutes from penalty corners, while Dung Dung added goals in the 45th and 54th minutes. Mumtaz Khan opened the scoring in the 7th minute, followed by goals from Sangita Kumari in the 10th, Navneet Kaur in the 16th, Lalremsiami in the 18th, Thoudam Suman Devi in the 49th, Sharmila Devi in the 57th, and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal in the 60th minute.

Ranked ninth in the world, India dominated from the outset against 30th-ranked Thailand, securing a 5-0 lead by halftime. As per agency report, the tournament features eight teams divided into two pools, with the top two from each advancing to the Super 4 stage. The top two teams from the Super 4 will contest the final on September 14.

India entered the tournament without experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia and top drag-flicker Deepika, both sidelined due to injuries. The Asia Cup winner will qualify for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Following their resounding win over Thailand, India will face Japan on Saturday before concluding their pool matches against Singapore on September 8.