Indian Women's Hockey Team Dominates Uzbekistan in Asian Games Opener

The Indian women's hockey team made a remarkable start at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Uzbekistan 19-0. Deepika was the star of the match, scoring eight goals, while Ishika contributed three. The team's performance highlighted their attacking strength and efficiency in penalty corners. In addition to hockey, the women's table tennis team also triumphed over Indonesia, and India secured a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event. This article delves into the details of these impressive achievements.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 20, 2026, 10:21 IST

India's Impressive Start at the Asian Games

Nagoya, Japan - On September 20, the Indian women's hockey team kicked off their Asian Games 2026 journey with an overwhelming 19-0 victory against Uzbekistan. This commanding win showcased their prowess on the field.

Deepika emerged as the standout player, netting an impressive eight goals, five of which came from penalty corners. Ishika also shone brightly, contributing a hat-trick to the team's success.

The scoring began in the sixth minute when Lalremsiami capitalized on a rebound after Navneet Kaur's initial shot was blocked by the Uzbekistan goalkeeper. Lalremsiami quickly slotted the ball into the net.

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Deepika swiftly doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the right, followed by Ishika's first-time shot after a precise pass from Sunelita, making it 3-0. Baljeet then added another goal, converting a rebound to end the first quarter at 4-0.

In the second quarter, Neha scored a stunning reverse-hit goal, bringing the score to 5-0. Deepika then added her second from a penalty corner, and Rutuja extended the lead further.

Deepika completed her hat-trick with another penalty corner conversion, leading India to an 8-0 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter saw Deepika score four more goals, all from penalty corners, raising her tally to seven. Ishika, Sakshi Rana, and Lalthantluangi also contributed to the score, pushing the lead to 15-0.

In the final quarter, Navneet Kaur added another goal, while Deepika and Ishika completed their hat-tricks. Lalthantluangi and Neha also scored, solidifying the emphatic win.

Deepika's eight goals and Ishika's three were pivotal, with Neha and Lalthantluangi each scoring twice, and Lalremsiami, Baljeet, Sakshi Rana, and Navneet Kaur contributing one goal each.

This decisive victory marks a strong beginning for India, highlighting their offensive capabilities and effectiveness in penalty corners.

In other news, the Indian women's table tennis team also had a successful start, winning 3-0 against Indonesia in their Group F match. Sreeja Akula, Diya Chitale, and Yashaswini Ghorpade all secured straight-set victories.

Additionally, India earned a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle team event, with Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar, and Vidarsa Vinod achieving a total of 1898 points, finishing behind China. Elavenil's performance was particularly noteworthy as she scored 633.5 points and qualified for the individual final, with Sonam Maskar also advancing.