The Indian women’s hockey team booked a place in the final of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 with a narrow 1-0 win over Italy in the semifinal at the G. M. C. Balayogi Hockey Ground in Hyderabad on Friday. Manisha Chauhan struck in the third quarter to hand the hosts a hard-fought victory and set up a title clash against England.
The match began as a closely contested battle in midfield, with both sides struggling to find clear openings. India looked sharper early on with a couple of circle entries, but Italy gradually grew into the game and threatened on the counter. The hosts gained control in the second quarter and earned multiple penalty corners, though Navneet Kaur’s attempts were either saved by goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso or went off target.
Italy had a big chance early in the second half when Emilia Munitis broke through on goal, but goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam rushed out to make a vital save. India finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Manisha Chauhan converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick straight down the middle.
India pushed for a second goal in the final quarter and won two more penalty corners, but Italy’s defence held firm. The visitors mounted late pressure and even earned a penalty corner in the 59th minute, but the Indian defence held its nerve to secure the win and a place in the final against England on Saturday.
-IANS
