The Indian Women’s National Field Hockey Team has qualified for the 2026 Ice Hockey World Cup after securing a place in the finals of the FIH World Cup Qualifiers. In the semi-final on Friday at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Stadium, the Hyderabad team overcame Italy 1-0.
Manisha Chauhan scored the decisive goal in the 40th minute to send India into the title race where they will face England’s national women’s field hockey team.
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The opening quarter was tense with both teams battling for control in midfield. India started brightly and made some promising circular entries, but Italy gradually settled into the match and created several dangerous chances in front of goal.
India regained momentum in the second quarter as they used their flanks effectively to move the ball forward and build up attacking pressure. In the 18th minute, the home team earned their first penalty corner, but Navneet Kaur’s attempt was well saved by Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso. India received another penalty corner in the 27th minute and tried an inventive option when the ball was played to injector Salim Tete, whose shot was stopped on the line by Italy’s last defender. Two minutes later, India had another chance from a penalty corner, but Navneet’s effort went wide.
Italy threatened early in the second half when Emilia Munitis broke through on goal, but India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam pounced to make a crucial save. India finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute after winning another penalty corner. Manisha Chauhan stepped up and fired a powerful drive right down the middle, beat the defense and found the back of the net.
India kept up the pressure in the final quarter, winning two early penalty corners as they looked to extend their lead, but Italy’s defense held firm. The visitors pressed hard in the closing minutes and earned a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but India managed to hold their nerve to deny them an equalizer to secure a narrow victory.
India will now face England in the final on March 14 at 7:30 PM IST.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
13 March 2026 21:42 IST
