NewKerala.com

India Crush Uruguay 4-0 in Dominant Start to Hockey World Cup Qualifiers

The Indian Women's Hockey team began their FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Uruguay in Hyderabad. Sunelita Toppo opened the scoring in the 21st minute, followed by goals from Ishika, Lalremsiami, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal. India controlled possession and created numerous chances while their defense held firm against Uruguayan counterattacks. The team will next face Scotland in their following qualifier match.

Key Points: India Women's Hockey Beat Uruguay 4-0 in World Cup Qualifier

  • Dominant 4-0 victory
  • Goals from four different scorers
  • Resilient defensive performance
  • Next match against Scotland
3 min read

India beat Uruguay 4-0 in FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers

Indian women's hockey team dominates Uruguay 4-0 in FIH World Cup Qualifiers opener in Hyderabad. Sunelita Toppo, Ishika, Lalremsiami, Rutuja Pisal score.

"India launched a quick attack... Ishika did well to slot the ball into the bottom left corner. - Match Report"

Hyderabad, March 8

The Indian Women's Hockey team opened their FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 Hyderabad, Telangana campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Uruguay at the GMC. Balayogi Hockey Ground on Sunday.

Sunelita Toppo (21'), Ishika (40'), Lalremsiami (49') and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58') scored the goals for the home side, according to a release.

It was a bright start to the match in the first quarter as India made multiple circle entries and several goal-scoring chances. In the 4th minute, the home side won the first penalty corner of the night as Udita found the net after a beautifully orchestrated variation, but her shot went a bit high and hence the goal wasn't given. Uruguay, too, had their moments as it banked on counterattacking hockey but India's resilient backline held its ground.

In the 21st minute, India broke the deadlock through a penalty corner as Sunelita Toppo (21') showed great reflexes to pounce on the rebound and tap the ball into the net to open the scoring. Five minutes later, India received another penalty corner but this time, Annu's dragflick was stopped by the Uruguayan defence. India held most of the possession in the second quarter. In the 29th minute, Uruguay won their first penalty corner of the night but the opportunity was squandered as India managed to swiftly defend their goal and hold the slim lead.

In the 36th minute, India were through on goal as Navneet Kaur found herself unmarked in front of the post but Uruguay's goalkeeper Maria Bate stepped out and delivered a decisive save. In the 40th minute, India launched a quick attack as Sakshi Rana played a brilliant pass into the circle to Ishika (40') who did well to slot the ball into the bottom left corner. Uruguay were awarded a penalty corner as well in the 40th minute but they couldn't reduce the deficit.

In the 49th minute, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal did well to dribble down the left flank and pass the ball to Lalremsiami (49') in the midfield, who carried the ball into the circle and delivered a powerful finish past the goalkeeper to score an incredible field goal for her side. With just over two minutes left on the clock, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58') dribbled down the middle and struck a powerful shot to find the net and seal the big victory for India.

India will next face Scotland on March 9 at 7:30 PM IST.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Dominant performance! 4-0 is a statement. Loved Lalremsiami's field goal - that was pure class. Hope they carry this momentum against Scotland tomorrow. The entire team deserves praise.
A
Aman W
Great win, but we must be cautious. Uruguay had their chances too, especially on the counter. Our defence was solid today, but against stronger European teams, we can't afford to give away penalty corners so easily. Still, a very positive start!
S
Sarah B
Watching from Canada! So impressed with the skill level. The passing from Sakshi Rana for the second goal was world-class. It's wonderful to see women's sports getting this kind of coverage and support in India. Keep it up!
V
Vikram M
Bas, yeh wali spirit chahiye! Every player contributed. Rutuja Pisal with a goal and an assist - player of the match for me. Hyderabad ground seems to have brought them good luck. On to the next one!
N
Nikhil C
The scoreline flatters us a bit, no? First quarter we missed a few chances. But full marks for converting pressure into goals in the later quarters. The team's fitness looks top-notch. Let's secure that qualification!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50