The Indian women’s hockey team kickstarted their FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a resilient performance, holding Paris Olympics silver medallists China to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their opening Pool D fixture at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday. Entering the clash as underdogs against the higher-ranked rivals, Salima Tete-led India showcased exceptional attacking flair and tactical resilience. Clinical goals from vice-captain Navneet Kaur and forward Deepika twice handed the Women in Blue the lead before a resolute China fought back to share the spoils in a breathless encounter.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗡! 🔥🇮🇳
The Indian Women’s Team showed immense character, resilience and fighting spirit to secure a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in their opening match of the FIH Hockey… pic.twitter.com/QIYons4rEN
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 16, 2026
Match Details
- Match: India Women vs China Women
- Tournament & Stage: FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, Pool D
- Venue: Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen, Netherlands
- Full-Time Score: India 2 – 2 China
- Goal Scorers for India: Navneet Kaur (8′), Deepika (25′)
Navneet Kaur And Deepika Strike In Dominant First Half
Ranked ninth in the world, India displayed fearless attacking intent from the opening whistle under the guidance of head coach Sjoerd Marijne. The breakthrough arrived in the eighth minute when vice-captain Navneet Kaur executed a clever deflection off a precise delivery from Neha to stun the Chinese defence.
Although China equalised late in the opening quarter through a set-piece transition, India quickly regained control. Forward Deepika produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 25th minute, unleashing a clinical strike past the Chinese goalkeeper to send India into the half-time break with a well-earned 2-1 lead.
Second Half Drama: China Fights Back In Amstelveen
The second half saw second-ranked China mount sustained pressure, testing India’s defensive structure. The Chinese attack capitalised on a swift counter-attacking opportunity to level the scoreline at 2-2. Despite relentless pressure in a frantic fourth quarter, veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia and the backline produced decisive saves to deny China a late winner.
