India Held to 2-2 Tie Against China in FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026

India's women's hockey team kicked off their FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling 2-2 tie against China. The match saw India dominate more quarters, but China's determination and resilience paid off as they came from behind to tie the game at 2-2. India's captain Salima Tete led the charge for her team, with Navneet and Lalremsiami combining to create fantastic attacking opportunities. However, China's goalkeeper and defense held strong, denying India the winning goal. China's Meirong Ziu received a 2-minute penalty, but India failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Despite India's best efforts, China's determination and teamwork allowed them to stay in the game. The match finished with a 2-2 tie, with both teams showing their strength and determination. India's coach Sjoerd Marijne praised his team's performance, saying, "I am really looking at it match by match. So the focus is on China and winning that match. From there, we move forward. First objective is to finish in top two in our pool and reach the second stage." India's next match is against South Africa on August 18, and they will look to build on their performance against China. The team's combination of experienced players and emerging talent will be crucial in their quest for a top-two finish in their pool. ## India's Squad for FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 The Indian squad for the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 is a blend of experience and youth. The team features 11 World Cup debutants, including 18-year-old Sakshi Rana and 19-year-old Sunelita Toppo. The team's experienced players, including Savita, Neha, Nikki Pradhan, Navneet Kaur, and Lalremsiami, will provide the necessary leadership and guidance to the younger players. India's coach Sjoerd Marijne has emphasized the importance of finding the right balance between experienced players and junior players. He said, "You are always searching for the right balance of experienced players and junior. The seniors, of course, can help the juniors on how it is to play in a World Cup and also take responsibility when the pressure is on." India's squad is the only one among the 16 participating nations to feature five players with 200 or more senior international caps. Savita, the most-capped player among all teams competing at the Women's World Cup, is seven appearances away from equalling Vandana Katariya's record (320) of most capped Indian woman hockey player. ## India's Best-Ever Finish in a World Cup India's best-ever finish at a World Cup came at the very beginning of its history, when the team finished fourth in the inaugural edition held in France in 1974. The team will look to write another memorable chapter in their history as they compete in the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026. India's campaign begins against China on August 16, followed by a meeting with South Africa on August 18. India's pool-stage fixtures conclude with a high-profile clash against England on August 20. The tournament format itself presents a different tactical challenge. Unlike previous editions, the 2026 World Cup will not have a conventional quarterfinal stage. The top two teams from each of the four pools in the first stage will remain in the race to the semi-finals. Pools E and F in the second phase will have the top eight teams from the initial stage, while the remaining eight will be left to play for classification in Pools G and H. The teams finishing in top two positions in Pools E and F of second phase will qualify for the semi-finals. India will look to navigate this new format and emerge as one of the top teams in the competition. With experience in the ranks, emerging talent knocking on the door, and Marijne back at the helm, the Indian women will enter the competition with ambition in their hearts and an opportunity to write a memorable chapter in the country's hockey history.