India survived England’s late pressure to secure a goalless draw, a second-round berth and a top-eight Hockey World Cup finish.
India’s women’s hockey team held their nerve through a tense final few minutes to secure a goalless draw against world No. 7 England at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Thursday. The result was enough to send India into the second round of the FIH Hockey World Cup and secure a top-eight finish at the tournament for the first time since 2018.
The match went down to the final seconds. With the clock almost out, England’s Tessa Howard, who had already scored twice in the tournament, found space inside the circle and unleashed a sharp reverse hit towards goal. The ball appeared destined for the net, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam produced a stunning full-stretch save, diving to her left to palm it away. Moments later, the final hooter sounded.
India had survived.
For a team that has spent much of the past decade punching above its weight on the international stage, the result was another display of resilience. Pool D was widely regarded as the toughest group in the competition, with world No. 4 China, England, India and South Africa all competing for the two places that would guarantee direct passage to the next round.
India began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against China, the reigning Olympic silver medallists. They followed that with a commanding 6-1 victory over South Africa, leaving them needing only a draw against England to progress.
England, meanwhile, had reason to feel confident. They had beaten India 2-0 in the World Cup Qualifiers final in Hyderabad in March. But Thursday’s contest began with India looking like the more aggressive side, despite knowing that a draw would be enough.
The second half brought a different challenge.
England pushed relentlessly for the victory they needed, combining quick and precise passing moves in search of an opening. India’s defence, however, refused to buckle. Sushila Chanu led the backline with authority, while Nikki Pradhan remained composed under sustained pressure. Younger players Ishika Chaudhary and Shilpi Dabas also stood firm when England threatened to break through.
It was a collective defensive effort.
Baljeet Kaur produced a series of timely diving interceptions to disrupt England’s attacks, while experienced campaigner Neha Goyal repeatedly covered gaps whenever India’s defensive structure was tested. Further forward, Salima Tete’s pace and Lalremsiami’s quick feet allowed them to track back and add numbers when required.
Navneet Kaur also made a crucial goal-line clearance, while Deepika Kumari remained a threat on the counter-attack. Their presence meant England could never commit everyone forward without leaving themselves vulnerable.
The statistics underlined England’s dominance in attacking opportunities. They earned 12 penalty corners compared with India’s four, yet failed to convert any of them. As the match progressed, England’s attacking pattern became increasingly predictable, with repeated attempts to work the ball towards the same side of the circle to create shooting opportunities for Sophie Hamilton.
India adapted.
Even during scrappy spells close to their own goal, the defence absorbed the pressure. Goalkeepers Savita Punia and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who alternated after each quarter, dealt with danger efficiently whenever called upon.
After the match, India captain Salima Tete summed up her team’s approach.
“We had decided that we will fight for everything,” she told the FIH. “We defended really well, we did not stop.”
The words captured the character of India’s performance. They did not need to dominate possession or create a stream of chances. They needed discipline, organisation and the willingness to defend until the very last second.
They delivered all three.
The result also gives India a significant boost as they prepare for a demanding international schedule. The team will travel to Japan in September for the Asian Games, where winning gold would secure a direct berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For now, however, India can savour a result earned through grit rather than glamour. Against one of the world’s strongest teams, their defence stood firm when it mattered most.
And when the final whistle came, India were still standing.
India’s women’s hockey team held their nerve through a tense final few minutes to secure a goalless draw against world No. 7 England at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands, on Thursday. The result was enough to send India into the second round of the FIH Hockey World Cup and secure a top-eight finish at the tournament for the first time since 2018.
The match went down to the final seconds. With the clock almost out, England’s Tessa Howard, who had already scored twice in the tournament, found space inside the circle and unleashed a sharp reverse hit towards goal. The ball appeared destined for the net, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam produced a stunning full-stretch save, diving to her left to palm it away. Moments later, the final hooter sounded.
India had survived.
For a team that has spent much of the past decade punching above its weight on the international stage, the result was another display of resilience. Pool D was widely regarded as the toughest group in the competition, with world No. 4 China, England, India and South Africa all competing for the two places that would guarantee direct passage to the next round.
India began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against China, the reigning Olympic silver medallists. They followed that with a commanding 6-1 victory over South Africa, leaving them needing only a draw against England to progress.
England, meanwhile, had reason to feel confident. They had beaten India 2-0 in the World Cup Qualifiers final in Hyderabad in March. But Thursday’s contest began with India looking like the more aggressive side, despite knowing that a draw would be enough.
The second half brought a different challenge.
England pushed relentlessly for the victory they needed, combining quick and precise passing moves in search of an opening. India’s defence, however, refused to buckle. Sushila Chanu led the backline with authority, while Nikki Pradhan remained composed under sustained pressure. Younger players Ishika Chaudhary and Shilpi Dabas also stood firm when England threatened to break through.
It was a collective defensive effort.
Baljeet Kaur produced a series of timely diving interceptions to disrupt England’s attacks, while experienced campaigner Neha Goyal repeatedly covered gaps whenever India’s defensive structure was tested. Further forward, Salima Tete’s pace and Lalremsiami’s quick feet allowed them to track back and add numbers when required.
Navneet Kaur also made a crucial goal-line clearance, while Deepika Kumari remained a threat on the counter-attack. Their presence meant England could never commit everyone forward without leaving themselves vulnerable.
The statistics underlined England’s dominance in attacking opportunities. They earned 12 penalty corners compared with India’s four, yet failed to convert any of them. As the match progressed, England’s attacking pattern became increasingly predictable, with repeated attempts to work the ball towards the same side of the circle to create shooting opportunities for Sophie Hamilton.
India adapted.
Even during scrappy spells close to their own goal, the defence absorbed the pressure. Goalkeepers Savita Punia and Bichu Devi Kharibam, who alternated after each quarter, dealt with danger efficiently whenever called upon.
After the match, India captain Salima Tete summed up her team’s approach.
“We had decided that we will fight for everything,” she told the FIH. “We defended really well, we did not stop.”
The words captured the character of India’s performance. They did not need to dominate possession or create a stream of chances. They needed discipline, organisation and the willingness to defend until the very last second.
They delivered all three.
The result also gives India a significant boost as they prepare for a demanding international schedule. The team will travel to Japan in September for the Asian Games, where winning gold would secure a direct berth at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For now, however, India can savour a result earned through grit rather than glamour. Against one of the world’s strongest teams, their defence stood firm when it mattered most.
And when the final whistle came, India were still standing.
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