India Edge Italy 1–0 to Reach Final of FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, March 2026 : The India women’s national field hockey team secured a place in the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 after defeating Italy women’s national field hockey team 1–0 in a tense semifinal clash at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground on Friday.

The decisive moment of the match came in the third quarter when Manisha Chauhan scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute. With the victory, India advanced to the final where they will face England women’s national field hockey team on Saturday.

The match began with both teams displaying strong defensive discipline and battling intensely for possession in midfield. India started brightly and made a few early circle entries, attempting to apply pressure on the Italian defence. However, Italy soon found their rhythm and launched a series of counterattacks, creating a couple of promising chances inside the Indian circle.

India gradually regained control in the second quarter, utilising the flanks effectively to move the ball forward and increase the pace of their attacks. Their efforts resulted in the first penalty corner of the match in the 18th minute. However, the attempt by Navneet Kaur was well blocked by Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso, who made a sharp save to keep the scores level.

The hosts continued to press forward and earned another penalty corner in the 27th minute. India tried a creative variation, with the ball played back to captain Salima Tete. Her shot, however, was stopped on the goal line by Italy’s last defender, denying India a crucial breakthrough. Just two minutes later, India won yet another penalty corner but Navneet Kaur’s attempt went wide of the target.

Italy began the second half on an attacking note. Early in the third quarter, Emilia Munitis made a dangerous run toward the Indian goal. However, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam reacted swiftly, rushing out to make a vital save and prevent Italy from taking the lead.

India finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when they earned another penalty corner. This time, Manisha Chauhan executed a powerful drag-flick straight through the Italian defence, sending the ball into the net and giving India a crucial 1–0 advantage.

In the final quarter, India continued to push for another goal and earned two early penalty corners, but Italy’s defence held firm. The Italian side mounted a late surge and earned a penalty corner in the 59th minute, raising hopes of an equaliser. However, India’s defence stood strong under pressure and successfully held on to their narrow lead.

With the hard-fought victory, India progressed to the final and will take on England on March 14 at 7:30 PM IST.