The scoreboard read 19-0 when the final whistle blew, a number that felt almost comical given how quickly the contest was decided. India’s women’s hockey team didn't just win their Asian Games opener; they dismantled Uzbekistan, turning Pool B's opening match into a one-sided exhibition of dominance. There was no drama, no tension, just relentless pressure from the opening whistle to the final seconds.
Deepika was the undisputed architect of the destruction. She scored eight times, finding the net in the 8th, 22nd, 25th, 33rd, 36th, 38th, 41st, and 54th minutes. Her penalty corner dragflicks were surgical, while her field goals showcased raw pace. By half-time, India led 8-0, a gap that made the second-half onslaught feel like a formality.
It wasn't just Deepika, though. Lalremsiami opened the scoring in the 7th minute, and Ishika added three of her own, including a superb first-time finish from the left circle in the 11th minute. Baljeet Kaur, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Lalthantluangi, and Sakshi Rana all got on the scoresheet, proving the depth of India's attack. Uzbekistan simply couldn't retain possession long enough to mount any meaningful resistance.
For veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, the night was about a different kind of milestone. She earned her 320th international cap, joining Vandana Katariya as the joint-most capped Indian women’s hockey player. With Uzbekistan rarely threatening the box, Savita had little to do, a luxury that speaks volumes about the quality of India’s defensive structure and attacking intensity.
India, ranked second in the competition, will look to maintain this momentum against Indonesia on Monday, where the test is expected to be slightly tougher.