Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India’s women’s hockey team began their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday, August 16. India twice took the lead but had to withstand China’s pressure to secure a valuable point.
India started brightly, with Lalremsiami winning a penalty corner in the fifth minute after a strong run into the circle. Navneet’s effort was blocked, but she soon made amends. In the eighth minute, Neha’s pass from a free hit found Navneet, who produced a superb first-time finish to put India 1-0 ahead.
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China gradually found their rhythm and levelled in the 15th minute. Shilpi Dabas was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the circle, allowing Zhang Ying to convert the resulting penalty stroke and make it 1-1.
INDIA REGAIN LEAD AS DEEPIKA DELIVERS
India responded strongly in the second quarter and continued to attack with purpose. They earned a penalty corner in the 21st minute, but Navneet’s attempts were blocked, with a rebound striking Lalremsiami.
India continued to press and regained the lead in the 26th minute. Deepika produced a brilliant run down the right flank, entered the circle and earned a penalty corner before stepping up to take it herself.
Her drag-flick struck a Chinese defender and rolled into the goal. The umpire referred the decision to the video umpire, but the goal was upheld, giving India a 2-1 advantage. India maintained control before the interval, with Neha and Lalremsiami creating further opportunities.
China returned after the break with greater urgency and put India under sustained pressure. Baljeet made a crucial intervention in the 32nd minute to deny a clear chance, while Savita also produced important saves.
China eventually equalised in the 39th minute. After Savita denied them from close range, China won a penalty corner and Ma Ning produced a superb drag-flick to beat the Indian goalkeeper and make it 2-2.
China remained the stronger side for much of the third quarter, but India defended resolutely to take the game into the final 15 minutes level.
INDIA SURVIVE LATE PRESSURE TO EARN VALUABLE POINT
The final quarter was an intense battle as both sides searched for a winner. India came close in the 51st minute when Navneet sent a cross across goal, but Lalremsiami was inches away from connecting. The pair combined again moments later, only for Lalremsiami’s effort to be blocked.
China were briefly reduced to 10 players after Zou Meirong received a green card, but India could not capitalise. Bichu Devi Kharibam then produced a series of crucial saves, including one from a penalty corner, to keep China at bay.
India pushed for a late winner, but neither side could find the decisive goal. The match ended 2-2, giving India a valuable point against the Olympic silver medallists.
India will next face South Africa on Tuesday, August 18, before taking on England in their final Pool match on August 20.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
