Hosts India began their SAFF Women’s Championship campaign in style by hammering minnows Maldives 11-0 in their opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday. In a very unequal battle, India dominated possession, scoring goals at will.

Forward Aveka Singh was the star of the match, scoring four goals. It was clear that her stint with Danish, second division club, Naestved HG was paying rich dividends. Other goal scorers included, local girl, Karishma Shirvoikar (two), Priyangka Devi Naorem (two), captain Grace Dangmei, Pyari Xaxa and Sangita Basfore (one each).