India produced a dominant display at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026, defeating South Africa 6-1 at Wagener Stadium to record their biggest-ever victory in the tournament. The emphatic win also lifted India to the top of Pool D and put them in a strong position to reach the second round.
India Make Fast Start
India controlled the game from the opening whistle and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. A fluent passing move down the left created the opportunity, with Sakshi Rana’s effort finding Sunelita Toppo at the far post. Toppo calmly finished from close range to give India a 1-0 lead.
Navneet Kaur Doubles the Lead
India continued to dominate in the second quarter and doubled their advantage early in the period. Navneet Kaur produced a powerful slap from a penalty corner to make it 2-0. The goal was her second of the tournament and further strengthened India’s control of the contest.
Sushila Chanu Makes It 3-0
India maintained relentless pressure and added a third goal in the 25th minute. Deepika Sehrawat’s drag-flick from a penalty corner was deflected into the path of Sushila Chanu, who guided the ball beyond the South African goalkeeper.
India entered the half-time break with a comfortable 3-0 advantage, although head coach Sjoerd Marijne called for greater intensity from his players.
India Turn Up the Pressure After Half-Time
The Indian team responded immediately after the restart. Deepika Sehrawat unleashed a fierce tomahawk in the 38th minute to score her second goal of the competition and extend India’s lead to 4-0.
India continued their attacking onslaught in the final minutes of the third quarter, with Lalremsiami finding the net in the 44th minute. Just a minute later, Sakshi Rana added another goal as India surged to a commanding 6-0 lead.
Both goals came through powerful tomahawk strikes, underlining India’s attacking quality and clinical finishing.
South Africa Score a Consolation Goal
South Africa eventually managed to get on the scoresheet in the 55th minute. Kayla de Waal converted after a deflection from a penalty-corner effort fell into her path.
However, the goal did little to change the outcome as India comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to complete a historic 6-1 victory.
Biggest-Ever World Cup Victory for India
The result surpassed India’s previous biggest win at the Hockey World Cup — a 4-1 victory over Spain in the inaugural 1974 edition.
The six-goal performance therefore marked a new milestone for Indian women’s hockey on the World Cup stage.
India Close in on Second-Round Qualification
The victory moved India to the top of Pool D and put them in a strong position to qualify for the second round.
China’s 4-2 victory over England earlier on Tuesday further strengthened India’s position. India now need only a draw against England in their final pool match to secure qualification.
India Face England on August 20
India will play their concluding Pool D fixture against England on Thursday, August 20. With qualification within reach, the Indian team will look to carry their impressive momentum into the crucial encounter.