Asian Games 2026: Deepika Scores Record 8 Goals as India Women's Hockey Demolishes Uzbekistan 19-0

The Indian women's hockey team launched its Asian Games 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, hammering Uzbekistan 19-0 in a Pool B clash at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium in Kakamigahara, Japan. Forward Deepika Sehrawat delivered a historic individual performance, scoring eight goals—including six penalty corner conversions—to record the highest single-match tally by an Indian player in Asian Games history. India asserted complete control over the world No. 65 side right from the opening whistle, generating 66 circle penetrations and maintaining 62 percent ball possession. Lalremsiami opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Deepika doubled the lead shortly after. Ishika Chaudhary bagged a hat-trick, while Lalremsiami, Baljeet Kaur, Neha, Navneet Kaur, Lalthantluangi, and Sakshi Rana contributed the remaining goals in a completely one-sided encounter. The match also witnessed a significant milestone for veteran Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia, who earned her 320th international appearance. With this cap, she equalled former captain Vandana Katariya as the joint-most capped player in Indian women's hockey history. The victory gives India an ideal start in Pool B as the team targets a gold medal to secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. India will next take on Indonesia in their second pool fixture as they build momentum towards the knockout stages.