Hyderabad, March 11 – The Indian Women’s Hockey Team secured a dominant 4-1 victory against Wales in a Pool B match at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Navneet Kaur (29', 34', 55') led the attack with three goals, while Sakshi Rana (7') also contributed at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) on Wednesday evening. Although India had already secured a semi-final berth before the match, the result ensured they finished at the top of the standings. India will now face Italy on March 13 to secure their spot in the final.
India's speed was on full display in the first quarter as they put immense pressure on their opponents with quick breakaways, despite a strong defensive effort from the Welsh team. The hosts took the lead as early as the seventh minute when Salima Tete orchestrated a move down the right flank before Sakshi Rana unleashed a powerful reverse shot from the edge of the circle to give India the advantage.
India continued to press soon after, with Udita coming close to doubling the lead from a penalty corner, but her attempt was cleared off the line.
India carried the momentum into the second quarter. On a lightning-fast counterattack, Navneet and Lalremsiami linked up with precision, but the final pass to Lalremsiami was intercepted by Wales' goalkeeper, Ffion Horrell. Meanwhile, Indian goalkeeper, Bichu Devi, was called into action at the 25-minute mark, when she successfully defended Wales' first penalty corner of the night.
India came close to scoring a second goal through a penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Manisha's attempt narrowly missed. Just two minutes later, in another penalty corner, Navneet Kaur scored to double India's lead. This goal capped a dominant first half for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, who maintained 55% of possession with as many as 15 circle entries.
India continued to dominate in the third quarter. Neha came close to scoring in the 31st minute with a reverse shot, but the shot was padded away. In the 34th minute, a skillful run from Sakshi earned India a penalty corner, and Navneet Kaur completed her hat-trick, making the score 3-0.
Betsan Thomas (39') reduced the deficit for Wales, capitalizing on a momentary lapse by India in the circle, she threaded the ball into the net from a tight angle to make it 3-1.
In the final quarter, Wales had a chance to turn up the pressure on the hosts when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute, but Wales captain Elizabeth Bingham's shot went wide. Navneet Kaur then completed her hat-trick by converting a penalty stroke in the 55th minute.