Women’s Junior Asia Cup: India Crushes Bangladesh 13-1 in Campaign Debut

The Indian junior women’s hockey team made an emphatic start to their campaign at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024, defeating Bangladesh 13-1 in their Pool A opener on Sunday. The team showcased a combination of skill, strategy, and dominance in their high-scoring performance.

Top Performers and Highlights of the Match

India’s forward Mumtaz Khan led the scoring spree with four goals (27′, 32′, 53′, 58′), while Deepika (7′, 20′, 55′) and Kanika Siwach (12′, 51′, 51′) completed hat-tricks. Contributions also came from Manisha (10′), Beauty Dung Dung (33′), and Sakshi Rana (43′). For Bangladesh, Orpita Pal (12′) was the sole goal scorer.

India’s Early Dominance in the First Half

India opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Deepika converted a penalty corner (PC) with precision. By the 10th minute, India doubled their lead with another PC variation, this time executed by Manisha. In the 12th minute, Kanika Siwach extended the lead to 3-0 with a field goal.

Despite an infringement leading to a penalty corner for Bangladesh, Orpita Pal seized the opportunity, scoring in the same minute to make it 3-1. However, India responded quickly, with Deepika scoring her second goal in the 20th minute and Mumtaz Khan adding another in the 27th minute, giving India a commanding 5-1 lead at halftime.

Second Half: A Display of Unrelenting Aggression

The second half saw India ramp up their offensive play. Mumtaz Khan netted her second goal in the 32nd minute, followed by a swift strike from Beauty Dung Dung in the 33rd minute, pushing the score to 7-1. In the 43rd minute, Sakshi Rana added her name to the list of scorers, leaving the Bangladesh defense reeling.

Final Quarter: Hat-Tricks and Finishing Touches

In the final quarter, India continued to dominate. Kanika Siwach scored twice in the 51st minute, completing her hat-trick, while Mumtaz Khan added her third in the 53rd minute. Deepika followed suit in the 55th minute with a quick field goal to complete her hat-trick. The match concluded with Mumtaz Khan scoring her fourth goal in the 58th minute, sealing India’s remarkable 13-1 victory.

Tactical Brilliance and Team Performance

India’s victory was not only a testament to individual brilliance but also their tactical discipline and relentless attacking approach. The team’s ability to capitalize on penalty corners and create field goals highlighted their preparation and execution. Despite conceding one goal, the Indian defense maintained its structure, ensuring the opposition couldn’t mount a comeback.