Hyderabad, March 11 (NationPress) The Indian Women’s Hockey Team achieved a resounding 4-1 triumph over Wales during a Pool B encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Navneet Kaur was the star of the show, netting three goals (29’, 34’, 55’), with Sakshi Rana also making her mark early in the match with a goal in the 7th minute. This victory secured India’s position at the top of the table, solidifying their spot in the semi-finals. India is set to face Italy on March 13 in a bid to reach the final.

From the outset, India showcased their speed and agility in the first quarter, applying relentless pressure on Wales through swift counterattacks, despite facing a high press from the Welsh players. The hosts opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Salima Tete initiated a play on the right flank, allowing Sakshi Rana to unleash a powerful reverse hit that found the back of the net.

India continued to dominate, with Udita nearly doubling the lead via a penalty corner; however, her attempt was cleared just in time.

As the second quarter unfolded, India maintained their momentum. A rapid counterattack saw Navneet and Lalremsiami combine skillfully, but Wales’ goalkeeper Ffion Horrell thwarted their efforts. The Indian goalkeeper, Bichu Devi, was called into action shortly after, successfully defending Wales' first penalty corner of the match.

India's pursuit of a second goal continued, but a penalty corner in the 27th minute saw Manisha shoot just wide. Moments later, Navneet capitalized on another penalty corner opportunity, driving the ball low into the net to extend India's lead to 2-0. This goal capped off a strong first half, where India maintained 55% possession and made 15 circle entries.

In the third quarter, India remained aggressive. Neha came close to scoring with a reverse hit in the 31st minute, but her shot was saved. It was in the 34th minute that another penalty corner was awarded, and Navneet Kaur converted flawlessly, marking her second goal and increasing the score to 3-0.

Wales managed to reduce the deficit in the 39th minute when Betsan Thomas capitalized on a brief lapse in India's defense, scoring from a challenging angle to make it 3-1.

In the final quarter, Wales had a golden opportunity to pressure India when awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute. However, Captain Elizabeth Bingham's shot went astray. Navneet then sealed her hat-trick by converting a penalty stroke in the 55th minute, bringing the final score to 4-1.