36 goals in two matches: India women’s hockey team follow 19-0 opener with 17-1 thrashing of Indonesia at Asian Games | Asian Games 2026 News
India’s women’s hockey team continued its goal-scoring spree at the Asian Games 2026, thrashing Indonesia 17-1 in their second Pool 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, underlining their dominance in the tournament.Forwards Deepika Sehrawat, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal and Navneet Kaur each scored a hat-trick as India registered their second consecutive win. The victory also saw veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia make history by becoming the most-capped player in Indian women’s hockey, with her 321st senior international appearance.
India dominate from the start
The 2023 Asian Games bronze medallists 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 commanding 9-0 lead at half-time.India maintained the pressure after the break, scoring five more goals in the third quarter and adding three in the final 15 minutes. Indonesia managed a consolation goal in the third quarter, but it did little to slow India’s attacking momentum.The win took India to six points from two Pool B matches, 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 scoring eight goals 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-corner conversion in the eighth minute. Sunelita and Lalremsiami added goals before Rutuja scored in the closing moments of the first quarter.The Indian forwards continued to find openings in the second quarter, extending the lead to 9-0 by half-time. Indonesia scored through Innes Adiyita in the third quarter, but India responded quickly and kept piling on the goals.
Savita Punia sets new Indian women’s hockey record
The match was also a landmark occasion for Savita Punia, who earned her 321st senior international cap to become the most-capped player in Indian women’s hockey history. The former India captain moved past Vandana Katariya, who held the previous record with 320 appearances. Savita’s milestone adds to a career that has seen her represent India at multiple major international tournaments.
India face Thailand next
India will next take on Thailand in their third Pool B match on Wednesday as they look to maintain their winning run at the Asian Games. The women’s hockey competition also serves as a qualification pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
