FIH Nations Cup 2026: Indian Women’s Team Win Nations Cup To Qualify For The Pro Hockey League Tournament

The Indian women’s hockey team defeated New Zealand with an impressive 2-0 win in the finals of the FIH Nations Cup 2026 played at Auckland just finished few moments. It was an impressive performance by Indian team as they finished unbeaten.  

After a nervy start in the initial stages, it was a great start for the Indian team as Navneet Kaur converted first penalty corner in the 4^th minute to give a 1-0 lead. Indian women’s hockey played with positive mindset keeping New Zealand defense under pressure. 

They earned four more penalty corners during this aggressive play. Sunelita Toppo converted PC into a goal in the 10^th minute to double their lead at 2-0. It was a dominating performance by Indian in first quarter with 8 circle penetrations and won five penalty corners in total. At the end of the 1^st quarter, India led 2-0.

New Zealand showed attacking skills better, but Indian team looked control not allowing any goals as the defense was rock solid. Despite efforts, Salima Tete and Co went into the half-time with 2-0 advantage.  The third quarter saw New Zealand show more urgency and aggressive mindset to make a comeback into the game. The Indian defense looked solid not allowing any goals while goalkeeper Bichu Devi was not in the game. At the end of the third, Indian team still led 2-0. 

The New Zealand team tried to comeback into the game in the 4^th quarter with their first penalty corner of the game but could not convert into a goal. Despite their efforts, Indian team remain solid and kept Black Sticks attackers at bay. It was an impressive performance by Women’s team as they register a 2-0 win and won the FIH Nations Cup 2026. 

After winning the FIH Nations 2026, the Indian women’s hockey team earned a promotion in the 2026-27 FIH Pro Hockey League. It was a disappointing performance by the Indian women’s hockey team as they were relegated after finishing at last position in 2024-25 Pro Hockey League season. 

Journey of Indian Women’s hockey team in FIH Nations Cup 2026 

The Indian women’s hockey team had a terrific tournament in the FIH Nations Cup 2026. They were placed with United States of America, Japan and Uruguay.  It was a stunning comeback by the Indian team in their first match against USA. After being 0-2 down in the first 7 minute, Deepika scored 2 goals during the 17^th and 24^th minute to level scores at 2-2. Navneet scored from a penalty corner in 28^th minute to give India a 3-2 lead. All three Indian goals came from a penalty corner which helped recover from a tough start to the tournament. 

The second match against Japan was another closely fought 2-1 win. After two goalless first two quarters, Salima Tete scored from a penalty corner in the 33^rd minute to give India 1-0 lead. Japan level the score with Hiramistu converted from PC during 35^th minute.Lalremsaimi gave India the victory as she converted from a penalty corner in the 49^th minute. It was a superb performance by Indian team as they defended solidly. With this win, they entered the semi-finals of this tournament. 

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The third and final Group match saw India register a thrilling 3-2 win over Uruguay. Appeninno gave Uruguay perfect with goal in the 13^th minute. Deepika level the score in the 24^th minute via penalty corner. Deepika Soreng scored a brilliant field goal in the 43^rd minute to give India a 2-1 lead. Uruguay captain Villar Manuela converted from penalty corner in 55^th minute to level scores at 2-2. Deepika gave India the victory goal as she converted from PC in the 56^th minute to win by 3-2. 

Semi-Finals Encounter 

The Indian Women’s Hockey team produced a dominating performance over Chile right from the word go winning with 6-0 victory. Navneet Kaur made a perfect start to the match with 2 goals in the 6^th and 13^th minute. Kaur scored the first goal via penalty corner while the 2^nd goal was via field goal. Right before the first quarter, Deepika scored via PC in 14^th minute to lead by 3-0.  It was an ideal start for the Indian women’s hockey team in the 2^nd quarter as Deepika scored with another PC in the 18^th minute to give a 4-0 lead. It was an impressive performance by Indian women’s hockey team as they ended the first half with 4-0 lead. 

Neha extended India’s lead to 5-0 with another brilliant goal via penalty corner. Rutuja scored superb field goal in the 39^th minute to make it 6-0. It was a dominating performance by Indian women’s hockey team and enter the finals in resounding way. 

Depika Sherawat finished with 6 goals in the entire tournament. Navneet Kaur made an impression including 4 goals. Deepika Soreng, Lalremsaimi, Neha, Rutujua, Salima Tete, Sunelita Toppo secured 1 goal each which helped Indian women’s team win the FIH Nations Cup 2026.