Hockey World Cup: India Women Hold Olympic Silver Medallists China to 2-2 Draw in Opener

India’s women’s hockey team opened their FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign with a determined 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China at Wagner Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Sunday, August 16.

India twice held the lead but had to defend strongly as China mounted sustained pressure, with both teams ultimately settling for a point.

India made an attacking start, earning a penalty corner in the fifth minute after Lalremsiami’s promising run into the circle. Although Navneet’s initial attempt was blocked, she broke the deadlock three minutes later. Neha’s pass from a free hit found Navneet, who fired a first-time finish into the net to put India ahead.

China responded quickly and equalised in the 15th minute. Shilpi Dabas was penalised for bringing down an opponent inside the circle, and Zhang Ying converted the resulting penalty stroke to make it 1-1.

Deepika Restores India’s Lead

India continued to attack with intent in the second quarter and regained the advantage in the 26th minute. Deepika burst down the right flank, entered the circle and won a penalty corner before taking responsibility for the set piece herself.

Her drag-flick deflected off a Chinese defender and found the back of the net. Following a video referral, the goal was confirmed, restoring India’s 2-1 lead. India remained composed until half-time, with Neha and Lalremsiami continuing to threaten the Chinese defence.

China came out with greater urgency after the break and began putting India under sustained pressure. Baljeet made an important intervention early in the third quarter, while goalkeeper Savita made several key saves to preserve India’s advantage.

China eventually found the equaliser in the 39th minute. After Savita initially denied them from close range, China earned a penalty corner, which Ma Ning converted with a powerful drag-flick to level the score at 2-2.

India Hold Firm Under Late Pressure

The final quarter saw both teams push for the winning goal. India came close in the 51st minute when Navneet sent a dangerous cross across the face of goal, but Lalremsiami narrowly missed the connection. The duo combined again soon after, though Lalremsiami’s attempt was blocked.

China were temporarily reduced to 10 players after Zou Meirong received a green card, but India were unable to take advantage of the numerical superiority. Bichu Devi Kharibam then made several crucial saves, including an important stop from a penalty corner, to prevent China from taking the lead.

India also searched for a late winner, but neither side could break the deadlock. The contest ended 2-2, giving India a valuable point from their opening match against the Olympic silver medallists.

India will return to action against South Africa on Tuesday, August 18, before facing England in their final Pool match on August 20.