The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team kicked off their FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 campaign in grand fashion, securing a commanding 12-0 victory against Canada in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday. The goal scorers included Annu (4’, 6′, 39’), Dipi Monika Toppo (21’), Mumtaz Khan (26’, 41’, 54’, 60’), Deepika Soreng (34’, 50’, 54’), and Neelam (45’).
India took an attacking approach from the outset, with Annu netting two early goals through penalty corners (4’, 6′). The team maintained their aggressive style, extending their lead in the second quarter with Dipi Monika Toppo (21’) and Mumtaz Khan (26’). Despite the two-goal lead in the opening quarter, India pressed on, consistently penetrating the circle and keeping Canada on the defensive. The second quarter concluded with India holding a commanding 4-0 lead.
The momentum from the first half carried into the third quarter, with Deepika Soreng (34’) converting a penalty corner and Annu (39’) completing her hat-trick. Mumtaz Khan (41’) added her second goal, while Neelam (45’) smashed home a shot from a penalty corner. The penultimate quarter ended with India comfortably ahead at 8-0.
The Indian team’s hunger for goals persisted in the fourth quarter, resulting in additional strikes from Deepika Soreng (50′, 54′) and Mumtaz Khan (54′, 60’), both completing their hat-tricks. The final scoreline reflected India’s dominance with a 12-0 win.
Looking ahead, India will face Germany in their second match of the tournament on 1st December at 01:00hrs IST.