In a sheer display of prowess and athletic finesse, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team left an indelible mark on the turf, routing Singapore 13-0 in their recent clash in the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. This Pool A encounter witnessed a goal fest, heralding India’s powerful stance in the competition.
The battle began with the Indian team showing no mercy right from the onset. The first quarter saw the opening goal struck by Udita from a penalty corner in the 6th minute, setting the tone for what was to become a relentless pursuit of excellence. Shortly after, Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu amplified the lead with a successful penalty stroke in the 8th minute. Before Singapore could find their footing, Deepika and Kaur Navneet struck gold from penalty corners in the 11th and 14th minutes respectively, with Kaur Navneet adding another with a field goal all within the same minute.
As the game ventured into the second quarter, the scoring spectacle continued unabated. Ekka Deep Grace, Neha, and Kumari Sangita showcased stellar performances, finding the back of the net in the 17th, 19th, and 23rd minutes, propelling the score to a staggering 8-0 before the halftime whistle.
Unyielding, the Indian offense went on a rampage in the third quarter with Tete Salima and Kumari Sangita (again from a penalty corner) registering their names on the scoresheet in the 35th and 47th minutes. The scoreline read an intimidating 10-0 as the teams prepared for the final quarter.
The closing quarter was no different from the earlier scenes of Indian domination. Monika, Kumari Sangita, and Katariya Vandana ruthlessly netted the ball in the 52nd, 53rd, and 56th minutes, cementing a decisive 13-0 victory for India. Kumari Sangita had a remarkable game with a hat-trick to her name, portraying the essence of teamwork and individual brilliance on the field.
The statistics narrated a tale of Indian supremacy with 18 penalty corners as opposed to none for Singapore. A solitary penalty stroke further highlighted the offensive strategy employed by the Indian camp, making it a day to remember in the annals of Asian Games Hockey.
With this emphatic win, the Indian Women’s Hockey team not only took a significant step towards the coveted Asian Games title but also sent a strong message to all contenders about the high level of preparation and the burning desire to achieve glory.
Head coach Janneke Schopman and Manager Billava Suresh Ankitha have evidently worked wonders with the squad, tuning them to a pitch of perfection as seen in this clash against Singapore coached by David Viner.
The journey of the Indian Women’s Hockey team in this prestigious tournament is being keenly followed, and with such a scintillating performance, they have truly raised the expectations of fans and pundits alike. The team’s next encounter is highly anticipated as they continue to march forward with determination, skills, and a unified goal to bring laurels to their nation.
