Amstelveen, August 17: The Indian women’s hockey team began its FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with an impressive 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
India made a strong start, with Navneet Kaur putting the team ahead in the eighth minute. China responded through Zhang Ying in the 15th minute to level the score.
India regained the lead in the second quarter when Deepika found the net in the 25th minute, giving her side a 2-1 advantage. China, however, fought back and Ma Ning scored in the 39th minute to restore parity.
Neither side could find a decisive goal in the final quarter, as India held on for a valuable point against the Olympic silver medallists. The result marked a determined performance by the Indian side against one of the strongest teams in women’s hockey.
India will next face South Africa in Pool D as it looks to build on the encouraging opening result and strengthen its position in the tournament.