Hyderabad, March 8 The Indian women's hockey team kicked off its FIH World Cup Qualifiers 2026 campaign with a dominant 4-0 victory over Uruguay here on Sunday.
Sunelita Toppo (21'), Ishika (40'), Lalremsiami (49') and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58') scored for the home side.
The match began promisingly in the first quarter as India made several circle entries and created multiple scoring opportunities.
In the 4th minute, the home side won their first penalty corner of the match, with Udita scoring after a well-executed variation, but her shot went slightly over, resulting in no goal.
Uruguay also had their moments, relying on counter-attacking hockey, but India's strong defense kept them at bay.
In the 21st minute, India broke the deadlock with a penalty corner, as Sunelita Toppo (21') displayed excellent reflexes to pounce on the rebound and score the opening goal.
Five minutes later, India earned another penalty corner, but this time, Annu's drag flick was stopped by the Uruguayan defense. India dominated possession in the second quarter.
In the 29th minute, Uruguay won their first penalty corner of the match, but they failed to capitalize, as India successfully defended their goal and maintained a slim lead.
In the 36th minute, India had a clear goal-scoring opportunity as Navneet Kaur found herself unmarked in front of the post, but Uruguay's goalkeeper Maria Bate made a decisive save.
In the 40th minute, India launched a quick attack, with Sakshi Rana playing a brilliant pass to Ishika (40'), who expertly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.
Uruguay were also awarded a penalty corner in the 40th minute, but they couldn't reduce the deficit.
In the 49th minute, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal skillfully dribbled down the left flank and passed the ball to Lalremsiami (49'), who carried the ball into the circle and delivered a powerful finish past the goalkeeper, scoring an incredible field goal for her side.
With just over two minutes remaining, Rutuja Pisal (58') dribbled down the middle and struck a powerful shot to score, sealing a resounding victory for India.
India will next face Scotland on Monday.
