The Indian women’s hockey team begins its FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign against China on Sunday, with the Pool D encounter scheduled for 4:30 PM IST at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. India enters the tournament after winning the 2026 Nations Cup and will look to carry that momentum into a challenging group-stage campaign. (mint)

China presents a difficult opening test. India is ranked ninth in the world, while China are ranked second, according to recent FIH rankings. The two teams are joined by England and South Africa in Pool D, making every result important in the race for qualification. (mint)

China Starts With Advantage

India's recent record against China gives the Asian rivals an additional edge. China defeated India 4-1 in the 2025 Asia Cup final, while the Chinese team also won silver at the Paris Olympics.

India will therefore need to avoid conceding early goals and maintain its structure against a side that has established itself among the world's leading teams.

The Indian squad, however, comes into the tournament with renewed confidence after its Nations Cup success. Goalkeeper Savita Punia has also said the team now believes it can compete against the world's best. (The News Mill)

Savita Makes Third World Cup

Veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia is one of India's most experienced players at the tournament. This will be her third Women's Hockey World Cup appearance.

Punia has more than 300 international caps and remains an important presence in India's defensive unit. Her experience could prove particularly valuable against China's attacking pressure and during penalty-corner situations.

The tournament also represents an important opportunity for a younger Indian squad, with several players entering their first World Cup campaign.

Navneet Leads Attacking Threat

Forward Navneet Kaur is expected to be among India's key attacking players. She has been an established member of the national team for years and has continued to contribute goals in recent international competitions.

Drag-flick specialist Deepika is another player India will rely on for scoring opportunities, particularly from penalty corners. She was among India's important performers during the Nations Cup campaign.

The combination of experienced forwards and younger players could determine how effectively India converts its opportunities against China.

Young Squad Faces Test

India has entered the World Cup with a squad containing a significant number of players making their first appearance at the tournament.

Captain Salima Tete will lead the side, while Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne will oversee the team's tactical approach. The squad includes experienced campaigners such as Savita, Navneet, Lalremsiami and Sushila Chanu alongside younger players.

India's best-ever finish at the Women's Hockey World Cup remains fourth place in the inaugural 1974 edition. The team finished eighth in 2018 and ninth in 2022. (The News Mill)

Nations Cup Win Boosts Confidence

India's recent Nations Cup triumph has given the squad an important confidence boost ahead of the World Cup. Savita has pointed to close contests against leading sides as evidence that India can challenge higher-ranked opponents. (The News Mill)

Captain Salima Tete has also stressed the importance of staying composed, following the team's plan and continuing to fight until the final whistle against China. (The Times of India)

India’s Pool D Challenge

The China match is the first of India's three Pool D fixtures. England and South Africa will provide further tests during the group stage.

With China ranked among the world's top teams, a positive result in the opener would give India an early boost. A defeat, meanwhile, would increase the pressure on the remaining pool matches.

The Women's Hockey World Cup is being jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14 to 30, with India's opening-phase matches being played in Amstelveen. Indian viewers can follow the tournament through Star Sports and JioHotstar. (IndulgExpress)