Daijiworld Media Network - Hangzhou
Hangzhou, Sept 8: The Indian women’s hockey team delivered a blistering performance on Monday, dismantling Singapore 12-0 to secure their place in the Super 4s of the Women’s Asia Cup 2025.
The match was a showcase of attacking flair and relentless pressure from India, with six different players getting on the scoresheet. Hat-tricks from Navneet Kaur (14', 20', 28') and Mumtaz Khan (2', 32', 39') spearheaded the assault, while Neha chipped in with a brace (11', 38'). Lalremsiami (13'), Udita (29'), Sharmila (45'), and Rutuja Pisal (53') also netted to round off the demolition job.
India made their intentions clear from the outset, with Mumtaz scoring within two minutes of the pushback through a blistering reverse-stick strike. Singapore struggled to cope with the early intensity, and despite defending India’s first penalty corner in the eighth minute, they soon fell behind further. Neha capitalised on a rebound to make it 2-0, and Lalremsiami quickly followed with a close-range finish. Before the quarter ended, Navneet converted from a penalty corner to give India a commanding 4-0 lead.
Singapore showed some grit in the second quarter, briefly slowing India’s charge, but Navneet found the net again in the 20th minute with a fierce shot, and completed her hat-trick in the 28th minute off another penalty corner. Udita added a seventh just before halftime, giving India complete control with a 7-0 lead at the break.
The second half began much like the first, with India dominant in possession and clinical in execution. Lalremsiami’s pass found Mumtaz for her second goal, and Neha followed with a precise finish from a penalty corner. Mumtaz then completed her hat-trick, becoming the second Indian player to do so in the match. As the quarter closed, Sharmila latched onto a rebound from Neha’s attempt to slot home the eleventh goal.
India showed no signs of letting up in the final quarter. In the 53rd minute, Rutuja Pisal added her name to the scoresheet with a deft deflection, putting the finishing touch on a comprehensive victory. Singapore searched for a consolation goal late in the game but were kept at bay by a well-organized Indian defence.
With this emphatic win, India not only booked their Super 4s berth but also sent a strong signal to their rivals. They will next face the second-placed team from Pool A on September 10.