Hyderabad | March 12,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
India Beat Wales 4-1 in Hockey WC Qualifiers:
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team produced a dominant performance to defeat Wales 4-1 in a Pool B match of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Star forward Navneet Kaur stole the show with a superb hat-trick, scoring in the 29th, 34th and 55th minutes, while Sakshi Rana opened the scoring in the seventh minute. The win ensured that India women’s national field hockey team finished top of Pool B despite having already secured a semi-final berth before the match.
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India will next face Italy women’s national field hockey team on March 13 as they aim to secure a place in the tournament final.
India Start Strong With Early Goal
India began the match with high intensity, putting pressure on Wales through quick attacking moves. The hosts took an early lead in the seventh minute when Salima Tete created a move down the right flank before Sakshi Rana fired a powerful reverse hit from the edge of the circle to make it 1-0.
India continued to dominate possession and attacking play. Defender Udita Duhan nearly doubled the lead from a penalty corner, but the Welsh defence managed to clear the ball off the line.
Navneet Kaur Takes Control
India’s pressure finally paid off again in the 29th minute when Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner with a powerful low strike, doubling the lead.
The hosts carried their momentum into the second half. In the 34th minute, another penalty corner opportunity saw Navneet Kaur score again, completing her brace and extending India’s lead to 3-0.
India’s attacking dominance was evident throughout the first half, as they controlled 55 percent of possession and recorded 15 circle entries, constantly threatening the Welsh defence.
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Wales Pull One Back but India Seal the Win
Wales managed to reduce the deficit in the 39th minute when Betsan Thomas capitalised on a brief lapse in India’s defence to score from a tight angle.
However, India maintained control in the final quarter. Wales had a golden opportunity to close the gap when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute, but captain Elizabeth Bingham missed the chance as her shot went wide.
Navneet Kaur then sealed the victory by converting a penalty stroke in the 55th minute, completing her hat-trick and securing a comfortable 4-1 win for India.
Focus Shifts to Semi-Final Clash
With this impressive victory, India finished Pool B as table-toppers, boosting their confidence ahead of the crucial knockout stages.
The Indian team will now prepare for their upcoming match against Italy on March 13, where a win will move them closer to qualifying for the final of the Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.
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