Shillong, October 3: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team secured their spot in the semifinals of the 19th Asian Games with a commanding 13-0 victory over Hong Kong China in their final Pool A match.
As per IANS, goals were plentiful, with Vandana Katariya (2’, 16’, 48’), Deepika (4’, 54’, 58’), Monika (7’), Deep Grace Ekka (11’, 42), Sangita Kumari (27’, 55’), Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke (34’), and Navneet Kaur (58’) all contributing to India’s resounding win.
The game began with India launching a relentless offensive from the start, resulting in a commanding 4-0 lead in the first quarter. Vandana Katariya (2’) opened the scoring with a superb field goal, followed by goals from Deepika (4’) and Monika (7’). Vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka (11’) extended the lead with a successful penalty corner.
The second quarter mirrored the first, as India maintained control of the game, holding possession, and launching relentless attacks to increase their lead.
Vandana (16’) showcased her skills with another impressive field goal, and Sangita (27’) found the back of the net, ensuring India went into halftime with a dominant 6-0 lead.
Despite their comfortable lead, India continued to display determination in the third quarter, maintaining their dominance on the field. Vaishnavi (34’) and Deep Grace (42′) added goals from penalty corners, solidifying India’s position with an 8-0 lead by the end of the third quarter.
India’s hunger for goals persisted, and they added five more in the fourth quarter. Vandana (48’), Deepika (54’, 58′), Sangita (55’), and Navneet (58′) all scored in the final quarter, sealing a resounding 13-0 victory.
With this win, India remained unbeaten in the Pool stage and will now advance to the semifinals, scheduled for October 5.