Hangzhou (China) - Two goals each from Udit Duhan and Beauty Dung Dung helped India beat Thailand 11-0 in their opening match of the Women's Asia Cup Hockey tournament here today. Udita scored in the 30th and 52nd minutes while Dung Dung scored in the 45th and 54th minutes. Udita scored both the goals from penalty corners. Mumtaz Khan scored in the 7th, Sangeeta Kumari in the 10th, Navneet Kaur in the 16th, Lalermasiami in the 18th, T Suman Devi in ??the 49th, Sharmila Devi in ??the 57th and R Dasao Pisal in the 60th minute.
India, currently ranked 9th in the world, were leading 5-0 against Thailand at half-time in their Pool B match. The tournament has eight teams and the top two teams from each of the two pools will qualify for the Super 4 stage. The top two teams from the Super 4 will play in the final on September 14.
The Indian team entered the tournament without the injured pair of experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia and star drag-flicker Dipika. The Asia Cup winners will qualify for the 2026 Women's World Cup to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.