The Indian women's hockey team started their FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers campaign with a 4-0 win over Uruguay at Hyderabad's Gachibowli Stadium on Sunday.
Sunelita Toppo, Ishika, Lalremsiami and Rutuja Pisal scored the goals for India.
As expected, India dominated the proceedings and were much better on the ball. They didn't start that way though, they took their time to get going with no goals in the opening quarter.
India put more pressure in the second quarter and finally converted a penalty corner chance. Annu's dragflick in the 21st minute took a slight deflection off Sunelita Toppo and it was enough to beat the goalkeeper.
The home team doubled their lead in the 40th minute, when Ishika reacted quickly to a pass from Sakshi Rana and came up with a solid finish. Nine minutes later, Lalremsiami, who had been threatening to score all night finally got her name on the scoresheet with a smashing hit. By this point, India were comfortable on the pitch with Uruguay barely testing the Indian defence.
India were looking to score more in the final quarter and the goal came two minutes before the final whistle when Rutuja Pisal was allowed to run into the circle. The midfielder ensured she made no mistake as he scored India's fourth and final goal of the match.
It was a winning start to Sjoerd Marijne's second stint as India head coach who will hope India do the same against Scotland on Monday.
Earlier in the day, England beat Italy 5-2 to begin their campaign. South Korea defeated Austria 1-0 while Scotland overcame the challenge from Wales 1-0.
You can relive the match on our blog below:
