India’s women’s hockey team continued its strong run at the Asian Games 2026 with a huge 20-1 win over Thailand in Pool B on Wednesday.
It was India’s third straight win in the tournament, helping the team strengthen its position at the top of the table. The biggest star of the match was Deepika Sehrawat, who scored nine goals on her own. India had already beaten Uzbekistan 19-0 and Indonesia 17-1 in its first two matches. The team will now face hosts Japan in its next Pool B match on Friday.
Who is Deepika Sehrawat?
Deepika Sehrawat was the main star of India’s big win over Thailand. The drag-flicker scored nine goals in the match and played a key role in India’s 20-1 victory.
Deepika was also very effective from penalty corners. She converted all nine of her scoring chances from penalty corners, making it a memorable performance for the Indian player.
How did Deepika score nine goals?
India started the match on the front foot and put Thailand under pressure from the first quarter.
Deepika made the most of India’s penalty corners and kept finding the back of the net. Her nine goals made up almost half of India’s total score. Navneet Kaur also had a good game and scored four goals. Rituja Dadaso Pisal completed a hat-trick, while captain Salima Tete, Neha Goyal, Lalremsiami and Sakshi Rana scored one goal each.
India had already taken an 11-0 lead by half-time, leaving Thailand with very little chance of making a comeback.
What did Deepika say after the match?
After the match, Deepika spoke about India’s plan to make the most of its penalty corners.
‘Our plan was to make the most of the penalty corners with accuracy. The whole team played together and showed an attacking approach, which helped us get this big win,’ Deepika said.
Thailand scored its only goal in the 57th minute when Supansa Samanso converted a penalty corner.
How has India performed at the Asian Games?
India have made a perfect start to their Asian Games campaign. Before beating Thailand 20-1, the Indian women’s team defeated Uzbekistan 19-0 and Indonesia 17-1. India have now won all three of their Pool B matches.
The team also comes into the Asian Games after finishing fifth at the recent FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
What is next for the Indian women’s hockey team?
India will face hosts Japan in their next match on Friday. The Asian Games hockey tournament has 12 teams divided into two pools. The teams that finish at the top of their respective pools will directly qualify for the semi-finals.
After three big wins, India will look to continue its strong run against Japan and finish at the top of Pool B.