Amstelveen: The Indian women’s hockey team began its FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 campaign with a spirited but frustrating 2-2 draw against 2024 Olympic silver medallists China at the Wagener Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
India made an energetic start and dominated the opening exchanges with aggressive attacking play and sustained possession. Their early pressure paid off in the 8th minute when Navneet finished neatly inside the circle after a clever delivery from Neha, giving India a deserved lead.
China gradually settled into the contest and equalised in the 14th minute through Ying Zhang, who calmly converted a penalty stroke after a foul inside the Indian circle. India challenged the decision through a video referral, but the umpire’s original call stood.
The Indian side regained control in the second quarter and restored its advantage in the 25th minute. Deepika won a penalty corner with a brilliant solo run before converting the resulting drag flick to hand India a 2-1 lead at halftime.
China returned with far greater intensity after the break, dominating possession and forcing India onto the back foot. Their pressure was rewarded in the 39th minute when Ma Ning scored from a powerful penalty corner to make it 2-2.
Veteran goalkeeper Savita produced several crucial saves during the final two quarters as China continued to threaten, while India’s defence held firm under sustained pressure. Lalremsiami came closest to finding a late winner for India, but the Chinese defence denied her inside the circle.
The draw leaves England at the top of Pool D after its 4-0 victory over South Africa, with India and China level on one point. India will next face South Africa on August 18, aiming to register its first win of the tournament.