Santiago (Chile), Dec 1 (NationPress) The Indian junior women’s hockey squad commenced their journey in the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup with an impressive 13-0 victory over Namibia at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional in Santiago on Monday.

Hina Bano (35’, 35’, 45’) and Kanika Siwach (12’, 30’, 45’) each netted hat-tricks, while Sakshi Rana (10’, 23’) contributed two goals. Other scorers included Binima Dhan (14’), Sonam (14’), Sakshi Shukla (27’), Ishika (36’), and Manisha (60’). This triumph propelled India to the top of the standings.

From the opening whistle, India took command, launching their first shot on target and forcing a save from the Namibia goalkeeper within the first thirty seconds. They maintained their offensive pressure, earning a Penalty Corner with less than six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

They capitalized on their early dominance, scoring four goals in just four minutes to seize control of the match. Sakshi Rana (10’) initiated the scoring with a remarkable reverse flick, followed by Kanika Siwach (12’) who doubled the lead with a powerful shot. Binima Dhan (14’) then added a third with an incisive run, and Sonam (14’) netted a fourth after a well-executed buildup, establishing a 4-0 advantage after the first quarter.

With a substantial lead, India continued their dominance as Sakshi Rana (23’) scored her second with an outstanding run and a booming strike. Namibia attempted to push for an opening but were consistently thwarted by the Indian midfield's strong performance. India scored their sixth goal as Sakshi Shukla (27’) converted her drag-flick from a Penalty Corner. Kanika Siwach (30’) then netted her second goal just before halftime, extending the score to 7-0.

Entering the second half, India remained firmly in charge, with Hina Bano (35’) scoring her first tournament goal with a powerful shot into the top corner. She soon added another just a minute later, following up on a loose restart from Namibia. Ishika (36’) made it ten after a rebound from a Penalty Corner, further establishing India’s dominance.

A favorable deflection from a Penalty Corner found Hina Bano (45’) again, allowing her to complete her hat-trick. Kanika Siwach (45’) also scored her third goal from a Penalty Corner, bringing India’s lead to 12-0 after three quarters.

With some substitutions to start the final quarter, India continued to create opportunities, allowing their bench players a chance to shine. Despite Namibia's tenacity, it seemed they would leave the quarter scoreless. However, Manisha (60’) found the net from a Penalty Corner, sealing a 13-0 rout for India in their opening match.

India’s next match is against Germany on December 3 at 1945 hours IST.