Hyderabad, March 8 – The Indian women's hockey team began its campaign in the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 with a dominant 4-0 victory over Uruguay at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground at the Gachibowli Sports Complex in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Goals were scored by Sunelita Toppo (21'), Ishika (40'), Lalremsiami (49') and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (58') for the home team.
The match started brightly in the first quarter as India created multiple circle entries and several scoring opportunities. In the 4th minute, the home team won their first penalty corner of the match, with Udita scoring after a well-executed variation, but her shot went slightly over the bar, and thus the goal was not awarded. Uruguay also had their moments, relying on counter-attacking hockey, but India's resilient defense held firm.
In the 21st minute, India broke the deadlock with a penalty corner, as Sunelita Toppo showed excellent reflexes to pounce on the rebound and tap the ball into the net, opening the scoring. Five minutes later, India were awarded 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 on the opportunity as India swiftly defended their goal and maintained a slender lead.
In the 36th minute, India were close to scoring 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 as Sakshi Rana played a brilliant pass into the circle to Ishika (40'), who skillfully 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 dribbled down the left flank and passed the ball to Lalremsiami (49') in midfield, who carried the ball into the circle and delivered a powerful finish past the goalkeeper for a stunning field goal for her team. 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, sealing a big victory for India.
India will next face Scotland on Monday (March 9) at 7:30 PM IST.
