There is no stopping the Indian women’s hockey team, who have blasted 36 goals in the first two Pool B matches at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Japan. A day after outclassing Uzbekistan in a 19-0 mauling, with drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat netting eight goals, the Women in Blue hammered Indonesia in their second match on Monday, smashing them 17-1. India’s dominance in field hockey has placed them atop their Pool with a massive goal difference.&nbsp;Deepika continued her purple patch with three goals against Indonesia (8’, 28’ and 40’) as India netted seven from penalty corners and 10 from open play on Monday. Deepika’s hat-trick raises her goal tally to 11 in just two matches.&nbsp;While seasoned forward Navneet Kaur (35', 56', 57') and Rutuja Pisal (15', 20', 38') also completed their respective hat-tricks, Sunelita Toppo (11', 30'), Lalremsiami Hmarzote (13', 16') and Sakshi Rana (25', 57') scored a brace each. Captain Salima Tete (34') and Ishika Chaudhary (36') also added one goal each to their records.&nbsp;This game also marked a historic moment for veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, who became the most-capped Indian women’s hockey player with 321 senior international appearances, surpassing former Indian striker Vandana Katariya.&nbsp;Deepika opened the scoring for India against Indonesia, adding to the eight goals she scored in India’s tournament opener. Three minutes later, Sunelita found the back of the net from open play before Lalremsiami converted a set-piece in the 12th minute.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suchika-tariyal-asian-games-2026-mma-bronze-medal-1789979217621">Indian MMA queen Suchika Tariyal wins historic bronze at Asian Games; who is she?</a>&nbsp;Rutuja scored her first soon after as India ended the opening quarter with a commanding 4-0 lead.&nbsp;The second quarter was no different as Lalremsiami completed her brace shortly after the play resumed, while Rutuja scored her second in the 20th minute. Teenager Sakshi opened her account with a field goal in the 25th minute. India led by 9-0 till the second quarter, with Deepika and Sunelita also converting penalty corners.&nbsp;Indonesia scored one in the third quarter against the run of play through Innes Aditya; India responded instantly, scoring five goals in six minutes to end the quarter with a 14-1 lead.&nbsp;Even though Indonesia tried to keep the Indian attack quiet for the first 10 minutes in the final quarter, Navneet’s brace in the 56th and 57th minutes, alongside Sakshi’s second of the day, concluded another emphatic win for the women’s hockey team in this competition.&nbsp;After enjoying a rest day on Tuesday, India will face Thailand on Wednesday before facing hosts Japan and Singapore in their remaining Pool B matches.&nbsp;Meanwhile, if the Indian women’s hockey team win the gold medal at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, they will directly qualify for the LA28 Games.

Indian women's hockey team thrashing Indonesia 17-1 at Asian Games 2026. Deepika, Navneet, and Rutuja score hat-tricks as India reach 36 goals. 

There is no stopping the Indian women’s hockey team, who have blasted 36 goals in the first two Pool B matches at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Japan. A day after outclassing Uzbekistan in a 19-0 mauling, with drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat netting eight goals, the Women in Blue hammered Indonesia in their second match on Monday, smashing them 17-1. India’s dominance in field hockey has placed them atop their Pool with a massive goal difference. Deepika continued her purple patch with three goals against Indonesia (8’, 28’ and 40’) as India netted seven from penalty corners and 10 from open play on Monday. Deepika’s hat-trick raises her goal tally to 11 in just two matches. While seasoned forward Navneet Kaur (35', 56', 57') and Rutuja Pisal (15', 20', 38') also completed their respective hat-tricks, Sunelita Toppo (11', 30'), Lalremsiami Hmarzote (13', 16') and Sakshi Rana (25', 57') scored a brace each. Captain Salima Tete (34') and Ishika Chaudhary (36') also added one goal each to their records. This game also marked a historic moment for veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia, who became the most-capped Indian women’s hockey player with 321 senior international appearances, surpassing former Indian striker Vandana Katariya. Deepika opened the scoring for India against Indonesia, adding to the eight goals she scored in India’s tournament opener. Three minutes later, Sunelita found the back of the net from open play before Lalremsiami converted a set-piece in the 12th minute. Also read| Indian MMA queen Suchika Tariyal wins historic bronze at Asian Games; who is she? Rutuja scored her first soon after as India ended the opening quarter with a commanding 4-0 lead. The second quarter was no different as Lalremsiami completed her brace shortly after the play resumed, while Rutuja scored her second in the 20th minute. Teenager Sakshi opened her account with a field goal in the 25th minute. India led by 9-0 till the second quarter, with Deepika and Sunelita also converting penalty corners. Indonesia scored one in the third quarter against the run of play through Innes Aditya; India responded instantly, scoring five goals in six minutes to end the quarter with a 14-1 lead. Even though Indonesia tried to keep the Indian attack quiet for the first 10 minutes in the final quarter, Navneet’s brace in the 56th and 57th minutes, alongside Sakshi’s second of the day, concluded another emphatic win for the women’s hockey team in this competition. After enjoying a rest day on Tuesday, India will face Thailand on Wednesday before facing hosts Japan and Singapore in their remaining Pool B matches. Meanwhile, if the Indian women’s hockey team win the gold medal at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, they will directly qualify for the LA28 Games.

Indian women's hockey team thrashing Indonesia 17-1 at Asian Games 2026. Deepika, Navneet, and Rutuja score hat-tricks as India reach 36 goals.&nbsp;

Asian Games: Indian women's hockey team thrash Indonesia 17-1, blasts 36 goals in 2 matches

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team emerged as champions of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26 after defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final at Auckland on Sunday (June 21). India made a dream start as Navneet Kaur opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the game with a powerful penalty-corner strike. Sunelita Toppo doubled the lead in the 15th minute, expertly deflecting Deepika’s effort from another penalty corner to put India firmly in control.&nbsp;The Indian side then delivered a disciplined and resilient defensive performance, denying New Zealand any clear scoring opportunities and protecting their two-goal advantage until the final whistle. Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in the final, while Deepika finished as the joint-highest scorer of the tournament with six goals, sharing the honour with USA forward Ashley Sessa.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rejected-at-14-factory-worker-at-17-world-cup-hero-at-29-deniz-undav-s-incredible-journey-1782033008821">Rejected at 14, factory worker at 17, World Cup hero at 29: Deniz Undav's incredible journey</a>&nbsp;New Zealand earned a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter, but goalkeeper Savita produced a crucial save to preserve India’s two-goal lead. India then displayed exceptional defensive discipline, maintaining a compact structure and denying New Zealand any clear opportunities. The hosts comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure a 2-0 victory and clinch the title.&nbsp;The win marks India’s second FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup title after winning the inaugural edition in 2022. The victory also secures India’s return to the FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League next season. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, recording victories over the USA (3-2), Japan (2-1), and Uruguay (3-2) in the group stage before thrashing Chile 6-0 in the semi-final. The team capped off a flawless campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over New Zealand in the title clash.&nbsp;To celebrate the achievement, Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Indian hockey players bring pride and joy! Congratulations to the women’s team for emerging as winners in the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup. The team played exceptionally well throughout the entire tournament. Best wishes to the team. May this win inspire several others to… <a href="https://t.co/EdZcpyRV3L">pic.twitter.com/EdZcpyRV3L</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2068658567981494650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

India defeated New Zealand 2-0 to win the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 in Auckland. Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo scored as India secured an unbeaten title run and earned promotion to the FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team emerged as champions of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26 after defeating hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final at Auckland on Sunday (June 21). India made a dream start as Navneet Kaur opened the scoring in the fourth minute of the game with a powerful penalty-corner strike. Sunelita Toppo doubled the lead in the 15th minute, expertly deflecting Deepika’s effort from another penalty corner to put India firmly in control. The Indian side then delivered a disciplined and resilient defensive performance, denying New Zealand any clear scoring opportunities and protecting their two-goal advantage until the final whistle. Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in the final, while Deepika finished as the joint-highest scorer of the tournament with six goals, sharing the honour with USA forward Ashley Sessa. Also Read: Rejected at 14, factory worker at 17, World Cup hero at 29: Deniz Undav's incredible journey New Zealand earned a penalty corner early in the fourth quarter, but goalkeeper Savita produced a crucial save to preserve India’s two-goal lead. India then displayed exceptional defensive discipline, maintaining a compact structure and denying New Zealand any clear opportunities. The hosts comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure a 2-0 victory and clinch the title. The win marks India’s second FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup title after winning the inaugural edition in 2022. The victory also secures India’s return to the FIH Hockey Women’s Pro League next season. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, recording victories over the USA (3-2), Japan (2-1), and Uruguay (3-2) in the group stage before thrashing Chile 6-0 in the semi-final. The team capped off a flawless campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over New Zealand in the title clash. To celebrate the achievement, Hockey India announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff.

India beat New Zealand 2-0 in Auckland to win the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, securing a return to the Women's Pro League

India beat New Zealand 2-0 to clinch FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26

India women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia believes the next few months could define the future of Indian women’s hockey as the team prepares for a packed international calendar featuring the Australia tour, the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland, and the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure for Australia, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on her comeback journey, the importance of fitness and discipline, and India’s growing hunger for major titles, especially the Asian Games gold medal, in an exclusive interview with WION.&nbsp;After spending months away from the national setup because of injury and personal reasons, Savita admitted that returning to international hockey was not easy. However, the experienced goalkeeper said the rehabilitation phase and exposure in Argentina helped rebuild her confidence before the crucial run of tournaments. “For a goalkeeper, footwork is everything after surgery and injury recovery. It was difficult initially, but the support of the coaching staff and the matches I played helped me regain rhythm,” Savita said, adding that mindset and fitness remain the biggest factors in making a successful comeback.&nbsp;India’s upcoming Australia tour is expected to serve as a key test before the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, scheduled in Auckland from June 15 to June 21, and eventually the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup in August. Savita believes these tournaments will provide the team with much-needed exposure against top-level opposition before the Asian Games. “We have to go tournament by tournament. Australia, Germany, Nations Cup, World Cup, every competition matters because they prepare us for the Asian Games,” she said.&nbsp;The experienced goalkeeper stressed that India’s biggest improvement area over the last few years has been fitness and recovery management. According to Savita, Indian women’s hockey has always possessed strong technical ability and attacking skills, but sustained fitness standards are what separate medal-winning teams from the rest. She credited the new support staff and trainers for improving the team’s conditioning standards while also highlighting the importance of penalty-corner defence, shootouts, and defensive structure in modern hockey. “Our attacking game has always been good. Now the focus is on defence, penalty-corner defence, and maintaining intensity throughout matches,” she explained.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-won-yesterdays-ipl-2026-match-between-kkr-vs-mumbai-indians-check-result-1779328843972">Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians? Check result</a>&nbsp;Savita also spoke candidly about the changing culture inside the Indian dressing room. Having spent nearly 15 years with the national team, she acknowledged that the environment today is far more open and communicative compared to the strict atmosphere during her early playing days. According to the goalkeeper, modern players respond better to communication and trust rather than fear-based discipline. She added that senior players now focus on creating a healthier atmosphere where younger athletes feel comfortable discussing problems and learning from experienced teammates. “The environment has changed a lot. Discipline is important, but communication matters equally. Young players should feel comfortable approaching seniors,” Savita said.&nbsp;The India veteran believes the current crop of young players will benefit immensely from high-pressure matches against top teams like Australia, Argentina, China, and the Netherlands. She pointed out that exposure at the highest level helps younger players understand the difference between training intensity and real match situations. Savita also dismissed suggestions that India suffers from a mental block against Asian rivals such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Instead, she insisted that the Indian team now approaches every opponent with confidence and tactical clarity. “China is a strong side, but we no longer enter matches thinking they are unbeatable. We focus on our structure, discipline, and execution,” she said.&nbsp;One of the strongest messages from the veteran goalkeeper was India’s determination to convert years of progress into major silverware. Savita admitted that while bronze and silver medals have brought pride, the squad is now targeting gold medals on the biggest stages. “We have bronze, silver, and bronze again. Now we want gold. That feeling is still missing,” she said.&nbsp;The veteran also praised the current coaching setup for creating a demanding yet motivating atmosphere inside the squad. She revealed that the coaching staff constantly pushes players to take ‘one extra step’ towards excellence and medal-winning consistency. Even after achieving multiple individual milestones over a long international career, Savita said her motivation remains unchanged. The dream of helping India win a major gold medal continues to drive her every day. “A player sacrifices everything for the team. I still want that gold-medal feeling, and I will continue working for it,” Savita signed off.

Indian women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia opens up on her comeback, Australia tour, FIH Nations Cup, World Cup preparations, fitness focus, young players, and India’s Asian Games gold ambitions

India women’s hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia believes the next few months could define the future of Indian women’s hockey as the team prepares for a packed international calendar featuring the Australia tour, the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland, and the 2026 Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure for Australia, the veteran goalkeeper reflected on her comeback journey, the importance of fitness and discipline, and India’s growing hunger for major titles, especially the Asian Games gold medal, in an exclusive interview with WION. After spending months away from the national setup because of injury and personal reasons, Savita admitted that returning to international hockey was not easy. However, the experienced goalkeeper said the rehabilitation phase and exposure in Argentina helped rebuild her confidence before the crucial run of tournaments. “For a goalkeeper, footwork is everything after surgery and injury recovery. It was difficult initially, but the support of the coaching staff and the matches I played helped me regain rhythm,” Savita said, adding that mindset and fitness remain the biggest factors in making a successful comeback. India’s upcoming Australia tour is expected to serve as a key test before the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, scheduled in Auckland from June 15 to June 21, and eventually the Women’s FIH Hockey World Cup in August. Savita believes these tournaments will provide the team with much-needed exposure against top-level opposition before the Asian Games. “We have to go tournament by tournament. Australia, Germany, Nations Cup, World Cup, every competition matters because they prepare us for the Asian Games,” she said. The experienced goalkeeper stressed that India’s biggest improvement area over the last few years has been fitness and recovery management. According to Savita, Indian women’s hockey has always possessed strong technical ability and attacking skills, but sustained fitness standards are what separate medal-winning teams from the rest. She credited the new support staff and trainers for improving the team’s conditioning standards while also highlighting the importance of penalty-corner defence, shootouts, and defensive structure in modern hockey. “Our attacking game has always been good. Now the focus is on defence, penalty-corner defence, and maintaining intensity throughout matches,” she explained. Also Read: Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians? Check result Savita also spoke candidly about the changing culture inside the Indian dressing room. Having spent nearly 15 years with the national team, she acknowledged that the environment today is far more open and communicative compared to the strict atmosphere during her early playing days. According to the goalkeeper, modern players respond better to communication and trust rather than fear-based discipline. She added that senior players now focus on creating a healthier atmosphere where younger athletes feel comfortable discussing problems and learning from experienced teammates. “The environment has changed a lot. Discipline is important, but communication matters equally. Young players should feel comfortable approaching seniors,” Savita said. The India veteran believes the current crop of young players will benefit immensely from high-pressure matches against top teams like Australia, Argentina, China, and the Netherlands. She pointed out that exposure at the highest level helps younger players understand the difference between training intensity and real match situations. Savita also dismissed suggestions that India suffers from a mental block against Asian rivals such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Instead, she insisted that the Indian team now approaches every opponent with confidence and tactical clarity. “China is a strong side, but we no longer enter matches thinking they are unbeatable. We focus on our structure, discipline, and execution,” she said. One of the strongest messages from the veteran goalkeeper was India’s determination to convert years of progress into major silverware. Savita admitted that while bronze and silver medals have brought pride, the squad is now targeting gold medals on the biggest stages. “We have bronze, silver, and bronze again. Now we want gold. That feeling is still missing,” she said. The veteran also praised the current coaching setup for creating a demanding yet motivating atmosphere inside the squad. She revealed that the coaching staff constantly pushes players to take ‘one extra step’ towards excellence and medal-winning consistency. Even after achieving multiple individual milestones over a long international career, Savita said her motivation remains unchanged. The dream of helping India win a major gold medal continues to drive her every day. “A player sacrifices everything for the team. I still want that gold-medal feeling, and I will continue working for it,” Savita signed off.

Indian women's hockey team goalkeeper Savita Punia says the squad is targeting a Gold medal in the 2026 Asian Games through the Australia tour, Nations Cup, and World Cup preparations

'We have bronze and silver, now we want gold', says Savita Punia on Asian Games goal

Hockey India appointed Harendra Singh as the Chief Coach for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team on Tuesday.

Singh took over from Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne, who will return back to his responsibility as coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team.&nbsp;

India men’s hockey team had a disappointing run at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast as the team finished without a medal losing to England in the bronze medal playoff match.&nbsp;

By finishing fourth, India produced their worst showing at the Commonwealth Games since 2006.&nbsp;

The women’s team, on the other hand, lost to Australia in the semifinals before being spanked 6-0 by England in the bronze medal match to also finish fourth.

Some had questioned Marijne’s team selection for CWG and even preparedness for an event of such magnitude.&nbsp;

Harendra, who led the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team to the Junior World Cup title in 2016, was appointed as the Chief Coach of the Women’s Hockey team in September 2017.&nbsp;

Prior to that, he had led the women’s team to their ninth Asia Cup title in Japan last year.

Harendra said, “It is an honour for me to now manage the Indian Men’s Hockey team. It has been a very satisfying journey with the Indian Women’s Hockey team and I would like to thank Hockey India for entrusting me with the new role as we prepare ourselves for a very important season ahead.”

The men’s team had reassembled in Bangalore last week a fortnight after the Games in Gold Coast.

Marijne will return back to his responsibility as coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team.

Hockey India appointed Harendra Singh as the Chief Coach for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team on Tuesday. Singh took over from Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne, who will return back to his responsibility as coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. India men’s hockey team had a disappointing run at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast as the team finished without a medal losing to England in the bronze medal playoff match. By finishing fourth, India produced their worst showing at the Commonwealth Games since 2006. The women’s team, on the other hand, lost to Australia in the semifinals before being spanked 6-0 by England in the bronze medal match to also finish fourth. Some had questioned Marijne’s team selection for CWG and even preparedness for an event of such magnitude. Harendra, who led the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team to the Junior World Cup title in 2016, was appointed as the Chief Coach of the Women’s Hockey team in September 2017. Prior to that, he had led the women’s team to their ninth Asia Cup title in Japan last year. Harendra said, “It is an honour for me to now manage the Indian Men’s Hockey team. It has been a very satisfying journey with the Indian Women’s Hockey team and I would like to thank Hockey India for entrusting me with the new role as we prepare ourselves for a very important season ahead.” The men’s team had reassembled in Bangalore last week a fortnight after the Games in Gold Coast.

Harendra Singh named Indian men's hockey coach. Earlier coach Sjoerd Marijne to oversee women's side