The Indian women’s hockey team got off to a dream start in the Asia Cup 2025 with a resounding 11-0 victory over Thailand in their Pool B opener on Friday in Hangzhou. The win underlined India’s attacking firepower and placed them in a strong position ahead of their clash with Japan.
Mumtaz Khan (7’, 49’), Udita (30’, 52’), and Beauty Dung Dung (45’, 54’) all scored twice, while Sangita Kumari (10’), Navneet Kaur (16’), Lalremsiami (18’), Sharmila Devi (57’), and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (60’) also got on the scoresheet.
India wasted no time asserting control, with Mumtaz Khan breaking through in the 7th minute and Sangita Kumari doubling the lead three minutes later. The second quarter brought further momentum as Navneet Kaur and Lalremsiami added quick goals before Udita converted from a penalty corner in the 30th minute to close out the half at 5-0.
Thailand struggled to contain the pace and precision of India’s attacks in the third quarter. Persistent pressure inside their circle yielded multiple penalty corners, with Beauty Dung Dung converting one in the 45th minute to make it 6-0.
The final quarter turned into a goal fest, as India struck five more times within 15 minutes. Mumtaz added her second in the 49th minute, followed by Udita’s second strike three minutes later. Beauty Dung Dung netted again in the 54th minute before Sharmila Devi and Rutuja Pisal completed the rout in the dying minutes.
The victory has not only given India full points but also a massive boost in goal difference, which could prove vital in the pool stage. They now prepare to face Japan on Saturday, a fixture expected to test their defensive organisation and stamina against stronger opposition.
The format of the tournament will see the top two teams from each pool advance to the Super 4s stage, where they will compete for rankings from one to four. The eventual champion will secure a direct qualification spot for the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2026.
India’s clinical performance against Thailand signals strong intent as they chase the Asia Cup title and a place in the upcoming World Cup.
