New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team defeated Italy’s women’s hockey team 1-0 in a thrilling semi-final to reach the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup 2026 qualifier final. Friday, MC Balayogi Hockey Arena.The game was a stalemate for much of the game, with both teams struggling in midfield and creating limited clear chances. India will now take on the England women’s national hockey team in the final on March 14 at 7:30 pm IST.India started strong and made several attacking moves early on, but Italy gradually countered and threatened the Indian defense with several promising attacks.
India gained more control in the second quarter and started pushing forward from the wings. The home team won several corner kicks but were unable to convert them into goals. In the 18th minute, India’s first corner kick, Navneet Kaur’s shot was saved by Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso. India tried an interesting twist late in the second half when captain Salima Tate shot after the ball was passed back to her, but the Italian defender blocked it on the goal line. Another corner kick shortly afterwards also went wide.Italy threatened early in the second half when Emilia Munitis scored on a breakaway shot, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made an important save to level the score.In the 40th minute, the Indian team got another penalty kick opportunity and made a breakthrough. Manisha Chauhan stepped up and scored the only goal of the game with a powerful drag shot straight from midfield.Italy struggled to equalize in the final minutes and even won a late penalty kick in the 59th minute, but India’s defense held firm to ensure victory.
