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The India women's national field hockey team has officially secured its spot in the 2026 Hockey World Cup after a hard-fought victory in the semi-finals of the FIH Qualifiers. Competing in front of a home crowd at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad, the team managed to edge past Italy with a 1–0 win on Friday. This crucial victory not only guarantees their World Cup participation but also advances them to the tournament's title clash, where they are set to face the England women's national field hockey team.
India Women Beat Italy In crucial qualifier to qualify for Hockey World Cup
The match began as a tactical and tightly contested battle, with neither side willing to give much ground in the opening quarter. While India started with high energy and made several promising entries into the Italian circle, the visitors eventually found their rhythm. Italy's defense settled into the pace of the game, and they managed to launch a few dangerous counter-attacks that tested the Indian backline early on.
India seized back control in the second quarter, successfully utilizing the wings to stretch the Italian defense and maintain sustained attacking pressure. Despite their dominance, the hosts struggled to convert their set-piece opportunities; an 18th-minute penalty corner saw Navneet Kaur’s strike denied by a sharp save from Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso. India continued to press, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute with a clever penalty corner variation involving Salima Tete, only for the shot to be cleared off the line by a defender.
Manisha Chauhan does the trick for India
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 40th minute when Manisha Chauhan found the back of the net, scoring the decisive goal that defined the match. Her clinical finish capped off a period of intense pressure and provided the cushion India needed to navigate the final stages of the game. Having successfully defended their lead, the team now looks forward to the final with the momentum of World Cup qualification behind them.
Italy looked dangerous at the start of the second half when Emilia Munitis found an opening and surged toward the goal. However, Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam displayed excellent reflexes, rushing out to intercept the play and make a vital save that kept the score level. India's persistence finally paid off in the 40th minute when they earned another penalty corner. Manisha Chauhan took charge and delivered a fierce drag-flick directly down the center, piercing through the Italian defense to find the back of the net and break the deadlock.
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Building on that momentum, India maintained high pressure throughout the final quarter, quickly earning two more penalty corners in an attempt to double their advantage. Despite the onslaught, the Italian defense remained disciplined and prevented further damage. As the clock wound down, the visitors launched a desperate final attack, securing a penalty corner in the 59th minute. The Indian defensive unit held its nerve under immense pressure, successfully clearing the threat to preserve their slim lead and secure the win.
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