Hockey
FIH Women's World Cup Qualifiers: India beat Wales, Qualify for WC - highlights
India face Wales in a key Pool B match at the FIH Women's World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad as the hosts aim to strengthen their qualification hopes.
India face Wales in a key Pool B match at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 (Photo credit: Hockey India)
The Indian women’s hockey team secured qualification for the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup after defeating Wales 4–1 in their final Pool B match at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad.
Playing in front of a home crowd at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground, India delivered a dominant performance, led by a sensational hat-trick from Navneet Kaur. Young forward Sakshi Rana also found the net as the hosts sealed both a semifinal berth and a place at the upcoming World Cup in August.
India opened the scoring in the first quarter when Sakshi Rana capitalised on a scramble inside the circle to give the hosts an early advantage. The Indian side maintained attacking pressure through the second quarter, earning multiple penalty corners.
Navneet Kaur doubled India’s lead with a powerful drag flick before adding another penalty corner conversion soon after, putting the hosts firmly in control heading into the halftime break.
Wales attempted a comeback in the third quarter when Betsan Thomas scored from open play to reduce the deficit. However, India quickly regained their composure and continued to dominate possession while limiting Wales’ opportunities inside the circle.
Navneet Kaur sealed the victory in the final quarter by calmly converting a penalty stroke to complete her hat-trick and confirm India’s qualification for the World Cup.
With the win, India finished their Pool B campaign strongly and progressed to the semifinals of the qualifiers with renewed confidence.
Highlights:
Live Updates
- 11 March 2026 8:41 PM IST
33' - Good review from Wales!
India are earned a penalty corner after an attempt inside the circle from Baljeet. Wales ask for a review immediately.
The replays show that the ball didn't hit the defender on foot, but rather on hand. And this time the hand was on the stick.
The PC decision is reversed and Wales start with a bully.
IND 2-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:39 PM IST
32' - Two chances missed for India!
India open up the Wales defence with a good pass and the ball finds Lalremsiami inside the circle. She is getting surrounded and takes a shot in haste.
It's a big swing and a miss from Siami.
Moments later, Neha with a good steal inside the circle and launches a reverse hit. It is blocked by the goalkeeper.
IND 2-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:37 PM IST
31' - PC MISSED, WALES!
The drag flick is terribly high from Wales. Though Bichu Devi stretched herself, it wasn't enough to trouble her.
IND 2-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:36 PM IST
31' - BACK LIVE FOR SECOND HALF!
We are back LIVE for the third quarter and Wales have earned a penalty corner straightaway.
IND 2-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:27 PM IST
HALF TIME!
End of the second quarter and we head into a half-time break. India continue their dominance in the quarter gone by and have opened up a two-goal cushion.
Can India maintain this and move into the semi-finals unbeaten?
IND 2-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:24 PM IST
29' - NAVNEET SCORESSS!
Another penalty corner for India and this time its Navneet, who has been entrusted with the drag flick responsibilities.
The veteran forward doesn't miss. India have doubled their lead.
IND 2-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:20 PM IST
27' - Manisha goes WIDE!
Manisha with the drag flicking duties this time and she puts it wide. India miss their second penalty corner of the night.
IND 1-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:19 PM IST
27' - Salima Tete earns penalty corner
Salima Tete with some good work inside the circle to earn a penalty corner for India.
Can they convert?
IND 1-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:18 PM IST
24' - SAVE, BICHU DEVI!
Wales earn a penalty corner. The first one hits the feet of an Indian defender and hence, they are awarded a second.
This time, Bichu Devi steps up for India with a good save to protect the lead.
IND 1-0 WAL
- 11 March 2026 8:14 PM IST
20' - SAVE, WALES!
India on the counter and Navneet-Lalremsiami combine to open up the Wales defence. But the goalkeeper does well to come down from her post and avert the danger!
IND 1-0 WAL
