Live Blog | India vs China | FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026

A draw in 2022 and a draw in 2026 against China for India. Good result for India.

A draw between India and China would keep England on top of the group after their convincing 4–0 win over South Africa earlier today. India, meanwhile, will look to make the most of their counterattacking opportunities and find a way to break China’s defence.

That was moving fast, but India saves with less than 3 minutes to go. The first drag-flick is blocked, but China gets another PC after the umpire rules on the rebound. This time, Fan Yunxia goes directly for the shot after the injection, with Li Hong positioned for the deflection, but India manages to survive the threat.

All eyes on the Indian defence, can we save it

Navneet Kaur once again makes an impact down the right, driving into the circle before the ball breaks loose towards Lalremsiami. The forward gets her shot away from the top of the D, but a Chinese defender reacts quickly to block the effort. China are then reduced to 10 players as Zou Meirong receives a green card.

Needed a connect for the stick with the ball, but it goes through; a touch and it was a goal and lead. Navneet Kaur races down the right flank and sends a powerful cross across the face of goal. It evades the Chinese defenders, but Lalremsiami is unable to get a touch at the far post.

This is a big test for the Indian players, who are feeling the pressure as China continue to attack from all sides. It is an opportunity for this Indian team to show that they can compete with and hold their own against higher-quality opposition.

China’s defence has become more organised, making it difficult for India to carry the ball through midfield. Marijne and Co. will be keen to avoid conceding another goal before the end of the quarter.

China restores parity through a thumping drag-flick from Ma Ning. The Chinese No. 9 sends the ball zipping into the left corner, leaving Savita rooted to the spot. India’s lead is gone as China makes it 2–2.

This is very crucial, and China will be very keen on it.

China is showing greater urgency and playing with more confidence in possession, but India’s defence has remained solid. The Indian players have been sharp in their tackles and have made no mistakes so far.

What looked like a clear chance to China, India somehow mana

Alyson Annan: “Play with confidence. That was lacking. We can do better; we have played them before.”

Sjoerd Marijne: “We were very disciplined and created chances. China are a good team, so we need to maintain the discipline in defence.”

Would you believe it? With two goals to one, we are leading the Paris Olympics medallist with half the match to go

India win another penalty corner after a superb run by Deepika on the right, following an interception by Nikki Pradhan. Deepika uses the baseline brilliantly to earn the PC.

Deepika takes the drag-flick, which hits a Chinese player before finding the back of the net. The umpire reviews whether the ball had crossed the circle before the drag-flick, but after a close review, the TV umpire sees no reason to overturn the decision.

Goal given! India take the lead.

From the Penalty corner Indian team scores, but this is getting checked.....

Deepika forces the Chinese defence into a mistake and earn a penalty corner

Navneet’s first shot is blocked, but she gets another opportunity moments later. Her second attempt goes straight into Lalremsiami, who goes down in pain. Meanwhile, Baljeet Kaur receives a green card for dangerous play and will spend two minutes on the sidelines.

From getting chances to shoot on the goal, India manages to get the penalty corner. Navneet has made two such interceptions, but India need to provide her with more support, as the turnovers are yet to translate into meaningful attacking moves.

Shilpi Dabas defends brilliantly after the restart, making an important intervention and perhaps earning a little redemption after the penalty stroke conceded in the first quarter.

8' – Navneet Kaur: Field Goal & 14' – Zhang Ying: Penalty Stroke

China is awarded a penalty stroke after Shilpi Dabas appears to push an opponent inside the circle. India takes a review, claiming there was a push on Shilpi by Zhong Jhiaqi, but the decision stands after the TV umpire reviews the incident.

Oh, a chance for China! Li Hong sends the ball into the circle, with Chinese players close to goal, but they fail to get a touch as the ball deflects off an Indian stick.

China’s head coach spoke about her team playing a fast-paced game and maintaining a strong defence, but so far, they have struggled to reach those standards.

India once again breaks into the circle from the left and create a promising opportunity, but an infringement brings the move to an end, with China awarded a free hit.

Since India took the lead, China has dominated possession, with India defending in two compact lines of four. India are also pressing smartly, often surrounding a Chinese player with five or six players to win the ball back.

India takes the lead, and it’s Navneet Kaur who gets on the scoresheet! A clever pass finds her with a defender marking tightly, but Navneet swivels brilliantly and flicks the ball towards goal. It beats everyone, clips the upright and goes in as China are left ball-watching.

Navneet Scores the first goal for India

Baljeet collects the ball on the right wing and finds Lalremsiami, who drives into the circle and wins a penalty corner after China are penalised for a poor stick challenge. India look to take the lead, but with Deepika off the field, Navneet takes the slap hit. The Chinese goalkeeper makes the save and China eventually clear the danger.

India have enjoyed a decent opening five minutes, creating a couple of good moves and counterattacking opportunities. China are expected to settle into the game and come harder, but India coach Marijne will want his team to continue with the same approach in the remainder of the quarter.

The pushback takes place in Amstelveen, with China starting the proceedings and attacking from right to left.

The high-voltage Pool D clash between India and China at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup is currently underway. China are attacking from right to left in their red kits, while India are moving from left to right in white.

Playing XI: Savita (GK), Shilpi Dabas, Jyoti, Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete (C), Neha, Rutuja Pisal, Sakshi Rana, Deepika.

Subs: Beauty Dung Dung, Ishika, Baljeet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Bichu Devi (GK), Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary.