36 goals in two games: Indian women’s hockey team follows up 19-0 opening game with 17-1 thrashing of Indonesia at Asian Games
Indian women’s hockey team beat Indonesia 17-1 (Image: ANI) The Indian women’s hockey team continued their scoring spree at the 2026 Asian Games, defeating Indonesia 17-1 in their second Group B match. After opening their campaign with a 19-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, the women in blue have now scored 36 goals in two matches, underscoring their dominance of the tournament.Forwards Deepika Sehrawat, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal and Navneet Kaur scored a hat-trick as India recorded their second straight win. The win also saw veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, who made history by becoming the most watched player in Indian women’s hockey, make her 321st senior international appearance.
India dominate from the start
The 2023 Asian Games bronze medalists came out firing at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, scoring four goals in the opening quarter before adding five more in the second to take a 9-0 halftime lead.India kept the pressure on after the break, scoring five more goals in the third quarter and adding three in the final 15 minutes. Indonesia managed to grab a consolation in the third quarter, but it didn’t slow down India’s attacking pace much.The win gave India six points from two matches in Group B with a goal difference of 35.
Deepika, Rutuja and Navneet hit hat-tricks
Deepika, Rutuja and Navneet led India’s scoring with three goals each. Deepika continued her impressive form after taking eight wickets against Uzbekistan in the tournament opener.Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami and Sakshi Rana contributed two goals apiece while captain Salima Tete and Ishika Chaudhary also found the net. India opened the scoring through Deepika’s penalty kick conversion in the eighth minute. Sunelita and Lalremsiami added goals before Rutuja struck in the closing moments of the first quarter.The Indian forwards continued to find opportunities in the second quarter and extended their lead to 9-0 at half time. Indonesia scored through Innes Adiyita in the third quarter, but India responded quickly and continued to pile on the goals.
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Savita Punia created a new Indian women’s ice hockey record
The match was also a landmark for Savita Punia, who earned her 321st senior national cap, becoming the highest capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey. The former Indian captain got past Vandana Katariya who held the previous record with 320 appearances. Savita’s milestone adds to her career which has seen her represent India in several major international tournaments.
India face Thailand
India will take on Thailand in their third Group B match on Wednesday as they look to maintain their winning streak at the Asian Games. The women’s ice hockey competition also serves as a qualifying route for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.