Undefeated India storm into U18 Asia Cup semifinals with 25-goal blitz
A relentless Indian women's hockey team dismantled Singapore 25-0 to top Pool A with a flawless, undefeated record. Powered by Nousheen Naz’s seven goals, India comfortably advanced to the semifinals of the Women’s U18 Asia Cup
Kakamigahara: The Indian women’s hockey team delivered a masterclass in attacking hockey to obliterate Singapore 25-0 in their final Pool A match of the Women’s U18 Asia Cup on Wednesday. With this resounding victory, India topped their pool with an undefeated record and comfortably marched into the semifinals.
India’s incredible attacking depth was on full display as 10 different players found the back of the net. Nousheen Naz led the goal-fest with a staggering seven-goal haul (8′, 13′, 17′, 18′, 40′, 52′, 58′). Geethasri Nammi, rightfully named the ‘Player of the Match’, pumped in five goals (13′, 28′, 47′, 48′, 60′), while captain Sweety Kujur spearheaded the frontline with four goals (2′, 24′, 38′, 45′).
Priyanka Minz registered a brilliant hat-trick (22′, 37′, 53′), while Diya (27′), Nancy Saroha (36′), Shruti Kumari (40′), Pushpa Manjhi (47′), Rashmeen Kaur (47′), and Sandeepa Kumari (51′) also joined the scoresheet to complete the rout.
India made their intentions clear right from the opening whistle, with skipper Sweety breaking the deadlock in just the second minute. Nousheen doubled the advantage in the eighth minute, before both Geethasri and Nousheen struck in the 13th minute to establish early, absolute dominance.
The Indian team showed no signs of slowing down in the second quarter, as Nousheen fired home two quick goals. Priyanka and Sweety then capitalised on the momentum to further expand India’s commanding lead before the halftime whistle.
The goal frenzy continued unabated after the break. Diya and Geethasri struck early in the third quarter, while Nancy, Priyanka, Sweety, Nousheen, and Shruti all tore through Singapore’s defense to leave the opposition completely dismantled.
India maintained their relentless intensity in the final quarter, firing in 10 additional goals. Sweety achieved her four-goal milestone, Geethasri secured her five-goal tally, and Nousheen wrapped up a remarkable seven-goal performance. Late strikes from Pushpa, Rashmeen, Sandeepa, and Priyanka capped off one of the most clinical and dominant displays ever witnessed at the U18 international level.
Having registered consecutive wins against Malaysia, Korea, and Singapore, India topped Pool A with a flawless record and nine points. Their semifinal opponents will be determined after the Pool B fixtures conclude later today.
