The Indian women's hockey team showcased its dominance in the recent Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 by securing a staggering 13-0 victory over Thailand. This win not only marks India's third straight victory but also reflects the team's consistent performance as they battle for supremacy in the tournament.
Deepika was the standout star of the match, scoring five goals. Her remarkable efficiency on the field paved the way for India's overwhelming win, with other notable contributions coming from Preeti Dubey, Lalremsiami, and Manisha Chauhan, who each chipped in with two goals of their own.
The match, held at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar, saw India dominate from the very beginning. They scored their first goal just three minutes in, with Deepika unleashing a precise reverse hit, outsmarting Thailand's goalkeeper. Despite Thailand attempting to push back and create opportunities, they struggled to find their footing against India's relentless offensive strategy.
India's momentum didn't wane as Preeti Dubey found the net at the 9-minute mark, followed by Lalremsiami who struck just two minutes later. By the 19-minute mark, Deepika had scored again with another brilliant shot, bringing the score to 4-0. The Indian team didn’t let up, with their fifth goal coming from Beauty Dungdung, who cleverly chipped the ball over the fallen Thai goalkeeper just before halftime.
The second half was nothing short of explosive for the Indian team, as they poured on the pressure and pushed their lead to 9-0 by the end of the match. New additions to the scoring sheet included Navneet Kaur, who added to the tally with her powerful backhand, highlighting the depth of talent within the squad. Manisha Chauhan marked the first senior goal of her career during this match, demonstrating the team's opportunities for growth and development.
With this win, India now sits comfortably near the top of the tournament standings, holding nine points with only one game left and having adjusted their goal difference to +18, trailing only behind China. They've qualified for the tournament’s semi-finals, confirming their place among the top four teams.
India's performance is particularly commendable considering their prior matches, where they had previously scored impressive victories against both Malaysia and South Korea. They now prepare for their next match against China, who are the reigning Olympic silver medalists. This matchup is set to be significant, as India looks to overcome their previous loss to China, where they failed to score, ending the game at 4-0 during last year’s Asian Games semi-finals.
The atmosphere around the Indian women's hockey team continues to be one of optimism and enthusiasm as they strive for success. Their systematic and dazzling style of play, characterized by precise passing and quick footwork, had been on full display against Thailand. The squad is not just aiming to win the Asian Champions Trophy but also to set the stage for future successes, potentially heading to Paris 2024 with confidence and experience.
