FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026: On Friday, the Indian women’s hockey team claimed a difficult victory over Italy in their Match by winning 1-0. This victory has secured the team’s qualification to participate in the final of the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers being held in Hyderabad and also secured their spot in the upcoming Hockey Women’s World Cup being held in 2026.
The only goal scored by the Indian women’s hockey team was an outstanding effort by Manisha Chauhan that came in the 40th minute of the match. In addition to supporting India’s excellent defense, this goal also secured a berth in the 2026 Women’s World Cup for the Indian women’s hockey team.
Tight Opening as India and Italy Battle for Control
As both sides attempted to control the midfield, the semi-final commenced with a conservative approach. India (ranked 9th in the world) faced strong opposition from Italy (ranked 19th in the world) during this period of play.
Italy had more attacking chances early on; therefore, they were able to assess how well India’s defence would handle these types of situations as they developed into the second half of the first quarter. Through gradually developing confidence in attack, India began to establish itself in the game.
FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026: India Create Chances but Miss Early Penalty Corners
India started to apply the pressure in the second quarter. India managed to win their first penalty corner in the 18th minute. Navneet Kaur tried to shoot the ball on goal. However, the Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso made a crucial save to keep the game level.
The home side continued to apply the pressure.
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Booked. Backed. Roaring to the World Cup! 🇮🇳🏑🔥
India defeat Italy to storm into the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Hyderabad, Telangana – and with it, secure a confirmed spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026!💥#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2026… pic.twitter.com/HyGGwnRAE3
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) March 13, 2026
India won their second penalty corner in the 27th minute. The Indian captain Salima Tete tried to shoot the ball on goal after the ball went back to her. However, the Italian defender managed to block the shot on the goal line.
Just two minutes after the above incident, India won their third penalty corner. However, the shot taken by Navneet Kaur went wide. The game remained goalless as the two teams went to the halftime break.
Manisha Chauhan Breaks the Deadlock
Italy began the second half with a strong attack, and although their goalkeeper, Bichu Devi Kharibam, made a crucial stop, they were denied a goal. It was in the 40th minute that India finally managed to break the deadlock when they were awarded yet another penalty corner.
It was Manisha Chauhan who made no mistake in hitting a strong drag-flick straight down the middle, beating the Italian defence.
It was a goal that changed the course of the game for India, giving them a narrow lead.
Strong Defence Helps India Seal the Win
In the last quarter of the game, India continued to push forward. India managed two early penalty corners, but were unable to add to the score. Italy made a last-ditch attempt to level the game. In the 59th minute, they managed a penalty corner. However, India’s defense under pressure did not allow the equalizer to happen.
India to Face England in Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Final
With the semi-final match win, India will now face England in the final of the Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Saturday.
The tournament is one of the two qualifying events for the prestigious Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026, with the other tournament taking place in Santiago, Chile.
Both events have eight teams competing against each other to qualify for the prestigious tournament. The consistent performance of the Indian team not only helped them qualify for the final of the tournament but also for the upcoming Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026.
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