Source sportstar
AMSTELVEEN, Netherlands — The Indian women’s hockey team delivered a masterclass in attacking efficiency on Tuesday, routing South Africa 6–1 in their second Pool D fixture at the Wagener Hockey Stadium to record their biggest-ever victory in FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup history.
The five-goal triumph propelled India to the summit of Pool D on goal difference, significantly bolstering their chances of advancing directly to the knockout rounds.
Dominant Six-Goal Onslaught
Coming off a spirited 2–2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China, world No. 9 India asserted control early, breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute. A slick exchange inside the scoring circle allowed 19-year-old forward Sunelita Toppo to tap home at the far post.
India accelerated their momentum in the second quarter:
Navneet Kaur (17’): Doubled the lead from a well-orchestrated penalty corner routine, firing a low slap shot past the South African keeper.
Sushila Chanu (25’): Capitalized on a deflected drag-flick to slot in India’s third before halftime.
The Indian forward line proved relentless after the break, adding three field goals in a dominant third-quarter spell:
Deepika (38’): Blasted a fierce reverse-stick tomahawk into the roof of the net.
Lalremsiami (44’): Extended the lead to 5–0 with a sharp strike from close range.
Sakshi Rana (45’): Struck barely sixty seconds later, completing India’s six-goal blitz.
South Africa managed a consolation goal in the 55th minute when Kayla de Waal pounced on a penalty-corner rebound, but it did little to dampen India’s commanding performance.
Historic Milestone & Pool Standings
The 6–1 victory eclipses India’s previous record for their largest winning margin at a World Cup—a 4–1 win against Spain during the inaugural 1974 tournament.
Team Played Won Draw Lost Points Goal Difference (GD)
India2 1 1 0 4 +5
China2 1 1 0 4 +2
England2 1 0 1 3-1
South Africa 2 0 0 2 0-6
With China having defeated England 4–2 earlier in the day, India sit in prime position atop Pool D. A win or a draw in their final pool match against England on Thursday will guarantee India a direct quarter-final berth.
