The Indian Women’s Hockey Team triumphed over Wales with a 4-1 win in a Pool B match at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 in Hyderabad, Telangana. Navneet Kaur scored three goals (29’, 34’, 55’), while Sakshi Rana added one (7’) at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground on Wednesday. Despite already securing a spot in the semi-finals, this victory ensured India finished at the top of the table. Next, India will face Italy on March 13 to vie for a place in the final.
India displayed remarkable speed in the first quarter, applying intense pressure on Wales through quick breakaways despite their opponents’ high press. The hosts took the lead in the seventh minute when Sakshi Rana scored a powerful reverse hit from the circle’s edge after a move orchestrated by Salima Tete down the right flank. India’s dominance continued as Udita nearly doubled the lead from a penalty corner, only to be denied by Wales’ defense.
In the second quarter, India maintained their momentum with a swift counterattack involving Navneet and Lalremsiami, although Wales’ goalkeeper thwarted their attempt. The Indian goalkeeper, Bichu Devi, made a crucial save from Wales’ first penalty corner. Navneet then extended India’s lead by scoring from a penalty corner, capping off a strong first half where India controlled 55% of the possession and made 15 circle entries.
India remained aggressive in the third quarter, with Neha and Sakshi creating opportunities. Navneet completed her brace in the 34th minute from a penalty corner, making it 3-0. Wales managed to pull one back through Betsan Thomas (39’) before Navneet sealed her hat-trick with a penalty stroke in the final quarter. Despite Wales’ efforts, India’s solid performance secured a convincing victory.
