Jr Women’s World Cup: India begin their campaign with a resounding 13-0 victory over Namibia
The Indian junior women’s hockey team opened their World Cup campaign with a commanding 13‑0 victory over Namibia in Santiago on Monday, playing at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional. Hina Bano and Kanika Siwach each netted three goals, while Sakshi Rana added a brace. Other scorers included Binima Dhan, Sonam, Sakshi Shukla, Ishika and Manisha, helping India claim the top spot in the standings.
From the first whistle India was on the offensive, forcing a save from the Namibian goalkeeper in the opening half‑minute and continuing to press for early points. They earned a penalty corner late in the first quarter, which proved decisive as they recorded four quick goals in succession. The opener came from Rana’s reverse flick at the 10th minute, followed by Siwach’s powerful finish at 12. Dhan flashed a sharp run and shot at 14, then Sonam capitalised on an interplay to level the score at 4‑0 by the 15‑minute mark.
With a comfortable buffer, India kept the pressure on. Rana’s second came at 23 with a dynamic run capped by a thunderous strike. Namibia pushed forward but were contained by the Indian midfield’s dominance. A sixth was added when Shukla turned in a drag‑flick from a corner at 27, and Siwach scored again at 30, extending the lead to 7‑0 by halftime.
The second half started with India firmly in control. Bano opened the scoreline in the 35th minute with a ferocious shot into the top corner, then rattled a second within a minute after a loose restart. Ishika made it 10‑0 after a rebound from a corner at 36. A deflection from another corner sent Bano’s hat‑trick home at 45, and Siwach completed her third goal from a corner at the same time, moving the tally to 12‑0 at the three‑quarter mark.
In the final quarter, India made a few lineup changes but continued to create scoring chances, giving the bench a chance to shine. Namibia fought hard but couldn’t find a goal. Manisha sealed the result with a penalty‑corner strike at 60, finishing the match with a 13‑0 win. The Indians will face Germany next on December 3 at 19:45 IST.
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