Amstelveen, Netherlands: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team began their FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 campaign with a spirited 2-2 draw against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday.
India made an aggressive start to the Pool D encounter, dominating possession and putting the Chinese defence under sustained pressure in the opening quarter. Lalremsiami played a key role in India’s early attacking moves, earning the team’s first penalty corner after drawing a foul inside the circle.
India’s pressure paid off in the eighth minute when Neha sent the ball into the circle from outside the D and Navneet provided the finishing touch to put India ahead.
China gradually found their rhythm and began creating opportunities. Their efforts resulted in a penalty stroke in the 14th minute after a foul inside the circle. India referred the decision, but the original call stood, allowing Ying Zhang to convert from the spot and level the score at 1-1.
India responded strongly in the second quarter and continued to create openings in the Chinese defence. Navneet won another penalty corner, while Deepika produced a superb individual run in the 24th minute, dribbling into the circle and earning another set piece.
Deepika then stepped up to take the penalty corner and unleashed a powerful drag-flick into the net in the 25th minute, restoring India’s lead. India went into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.
China fight back after half-time
China returned from the break with greater intensity and immediately put the Indian defence under pressure. Goalkeeper Savita was called into action several times, making crucial saves to keep India ahead.
China eventually found the equaliser in the 39th minute when they earned a penalty corner. Ma Ning produced a powerful drag-flick that beat the Indian defence, bringing the scores level at 2-2.
China continued to dominate possession and territory towards the end of the third quarter and earned another penalty corner. Savita again produced an important low save as India’s defence worked hard to withstand the pressure.
The final quarter saw China continue their search for a winning goal, while India looked for opportunities on the counter. India came close in the 52nd minute when a cutback from Navneet found Lalremsiami inside the circle, but the Chinese defence managed to crowd out her attempt.
China earned another penalty corner in the 57th minute, but India defended the situation successfully. Neither side could find the decisive goal in the closing stages as the match ended 2-2.
India face South Africa next
The draw gives India and China one point each in Pool D. England currently lead the pool after defeating South Africa 4-0, with India and China occupying the next two positions and South Africa fourth.
India will play their next Pool D match against South Africa on August 18, when they will look to secure their first victory of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Indian men’s team will face England on August 17 in their second World Cup match.
