Navneet Kaur made an immediate impact at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, opening India’s campaign with a beautifully taken goal against Olympic silver medallists China in Amstelveen. The in-form forward struck in the eighth minute after receiving a pass from Neha following a free hit. Showing excellent awareness and composure inside the circle, Kaur produced a superb first-time finish.
The goal beat the diving Chinese goalkeeper and gave India an early 1-0 lead. It was a fitting start for the forward, who had also been named Player of the Tournament during India’s World Cup qualifying campaign in Hyderabad after scoring four goals.
The goal set the tone for an impressive first-half performance from India, who repeatedly threatened China’s defence with quick attacks and effective circle entries. China equalised the goal through Zhang Ying’s penalty stroke in the 15th minute. However India regained the lead through Deepika Kumari’s penalty-corner strike in the 25th minute. Even though Ma Ning restored parity in the 39th minute, India held on for a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the world No. 4 side and reigning Olympic silver medallists.
The Indian forward has remained one of India’s most dangerous attacking outlets throughout the contest. As she repeatedly tested the Chinese defence with her movement and direct running. The result also ended India’s run of four consecutive defeats against China, giving the team valuable confidence ahead of their next Pool D fixture against South Africa.
“Very good for the future”: South Africa’s coach opens up on match against India in Hockey World Cup 2026
India's women’s hockey team will look forward to building on their inspiring World Cup opener when they face South Africa in their next Pool D fixture. The ninth-ranked Indians began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against world No. 4 China. As they took the lead twice before the Olympic silver medallists fought back. Indian hockey player Navneet Kaur opened the scoring in the eighth minute, while Deepika Kumari restored India’s advantage in the second quarter. China eventually levelled through Ma Ning in the third quarter, but India’s defence held firm under sustained pressure to secure a valuable point.
The result has given the Indian side confidence heading into a crucial encounter with South Africa. With England currently leading Pool D after their 4-0 win over South Africa, India and China sit behind them, while South Africa remain fourth. A victory would strengthen India’s qualification hopes and put them in a strong position before their final pool clash against England. Head coach Sjoerd Marijne has also highlighted the significance of the draw, particularly with 11 Indian players making their World Cup debuts. The Dutch coach said, “With 11 debutants in the team, a draw against the world No. number four is very good for the future.”
