India’s Impressive Start at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup
The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team kicked off their FIH Junior Women’s World Cup journey with an astonishing 13-0 victory over Namibia at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Cesped, Estadio Nacional in Santiago on Monday. Hina Bano and Kanika Siwach each netted three goals, while Sakshi Rana contributed two. Additional goals came from Binima Dhan, Sonam, Sakshi Shukla, Ishika, and Manisha, showcasing a powerful performance that placed India at the top of the standings, according to Hockey India.
Explosive First Quarter Sets the Tone
From the outset, India was aggressive, taking their first shot on goal within the first thirty seconds, forcing a save from the Namibian goalkeeper. They maintained pressure, earning a Penalty Corner with just under six minutes left in the first quarter. The team capitalized on this momentum, scoring four goals in a span of four minutes. Sakshi Rana opened the scoring with a stunning reverse flick at the 10-minute mark, followed by Kanika Siwach’s powerful finish at 12 minutes. Binima Dhan added a third goal with a sharp run and finish, and Sonam capped the quarter with a fourth goal, leading 4-0 after the first fifteen minutes.
Continued Dominance Before Half-Time
With a solid lead, India kept the pressure on, as Sakshi Rana scored her second goal with a remarkable run and a powerful strike at 23 minutes. Namibia attempted to respond but struggled against India’s strong midfield. India extended their lead to six with Sakshi Shukla converting a dragflick from a Penalty Corner at 27 minutes. Kanika Siwach added her second goal just before half-time, bringing the score to 7-0.
Hat-Tricks and More in the Third Quarter
India maintained their dominance as the second half began. Hina Bano scored her first goal of the tournament with a fierce shot into the top corner at 35 minutes, quickly adding another goal just a minute later after capitalizing on a Namibian mistake. Ishika scored the tenth goal after a rebound from a Penalty Corner at 36 minutes. Hina Bano completed her hat-trick at 45 minutes, followed by Kanika Siwach scoring her third goal from a Penalty Corner, establishing a commanding 12-0 lead.
India Concludes with a Resounding Victory
Entering the final quarter with some substitutions, India continued to create scoring opportunities. Despite Namibia’s efforts to find a goal, Manisha scored from a Penalty Corner at 60 minutes, sealing a remarkable 13-0 victory for India in their opening match.
