Navneet Kaur (29’, 34’, 55’) led the attack with three goals while Sakshi Rana (7’) also contributed
Updated On – 12 March 2026, 12:43 AM
Hyderabad: India recorded a dominant 4-1 victory against Wales in a Pool B clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers at the Gachibowli Hockey Complex here on Wednesday.
Navneet Kaur (29’, 34’, 55’) led the attack with three goals while Sakshi Rana (7’) also contributed.
India will now take on Italy on March 13 to seal their spot in the Final.
India’s speed was on full display in the first quarter as they put immense pressure on their opponents with quick breakaways, despite a high press from the Welsh team. The hosts took the lead as early as the seventh minute when Salima Tete orchestrated a move down the right flank before Sakshi Rana unleashed a powerful reverse hit from the edge of the circle to give India the advantage.
India continued to press soon after, with Udita coming close to doubling the lead from a penalty corner, but her effort was cleared off the line.
India carried the momentum into the second quarter. On a lightning-quick counterattack, Navneet and Lalremsiami linked up with precision, but the final through ball to Lalremsiami was shut down by Wales’ Goalkeeper, Ffion Horrell. Meanwhile, Indian Goalkeeper, Bichu Devi, was called into action at the 25-minute mark, when she did well to keep out Wales’ first penalty corner of the night.
India came close to a second goal through a penalty corner in the 27th minute, but Manisha’s effort was inches wide. Just two minutes later, in another penalty corner, Navneet powered a low shot into the goal to double India’s lead. The goal capped a dominant first half for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team that saw them hold 55% of the possession with as many as 15 circle entries.
India stayed on the prowl in the third quarter. Neha came close to finding the back of the net with a reverse hit in the 31st minute, but the shot was padded away. In the 34th minute, a silky run from Sakshi earned India a penalty corner, and Navneet Kaur made no mistake in completing her brace and making it 3-0.
It was Betsan Thomas (39’) who cut down the deficit for Wales, making the most of a momentary lapse by India in the circle. She threaded the ball into the net from a tight angle to make it 3-1.
In the final quarter, Wales had a chance to turn up the pressure on the hosts when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 50th minute, but Wales Captain Elizabeth Bingham’s shot was off target. Navneet then went on to complete her hat-trick, converting a penalty stroke in the 55th minute.
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Italy & Korea locked in a goalless draw
Italy and Korea played out a 1–1 draw in the Pool A encounter at the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex) on Wednesday evening.
Federica Carta (7’) gave Italy the early lead, while Jiyun Choi (26’) equalised for Korea.
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Major fillip to IFL with Star Cement as title-sponsor
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Star Cement have, on Wednesday, signed a deal for the latter to come on board as the title sponsors for the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season.
Star Cement, the pioneer cement brand of Northeast India and a rapidly growing brand across India, has built a reputation for reliability, strength, and resilience in the infrastructure sector. The company has consistently aligned its brand identity with sport, supporting athletes and sporting initiatives as part of its broader vision of promoting excellence, determination, and community engagement.
M Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General of the AIFF, said, “This partnership with Star Cement represents an important milestone for the Indian Football League. As we work to strengthen the structure and commercial sustainability of the competition, such collaborations provide the support needed to take the league forward. We believe this association will play a valuable role in elevating the profile of the competition and supporting the continued growth of football in India.”
Pradeep Purohit, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cement, said, “As a leading corporate house from the Northeast, Star Cement has always believed in supporting platforms that reflect strength, resilience, and community spirit. Sport has been an important part of our brand philosophy, and through initiatives such as our ‘Har Ghar Mein Star’ campaign, we have consistently associated with athletes and sporting personalities.”
Member, League Managing Committee, and owner, Shillong Lajong FC, Larsing Ming Sawyan, said, “Star Cement coming on board as the title sponsor is a big breakthrough for the Indian Football League. Now, with a title sponsor associated with the IFL, it is our hope that the league will grow from strength to strength each season. I take this opportunity to thank Star Cement, which has roots in the North-east, on behalf of the entire league for taking this magnanimous step in coming forward to support Indian football.”
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