The Indian women's hockey team opened their Asian Games 2026 campaign with a commanding 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Pool B play on 20 September. Deepika was the standout performer, netting eight goals, while Lalremsiami, Ishika, Navneet Kaur, Lalthantluangi, and others also found the net in a contest that was never in doubt. The result was also notable off the pitch: veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia earned her 320th international cap, equalling Vandana Katariya's record as India's most-capped women's hockey player. India face Indonesia next on 21 September.