(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
India Women Reach FIH Nations Cup Final After 6–0 Win Over Chile
India produced a dominant performance to defeat Chile 6–0 in the semi-final of the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2025–26, securing a place in the final in Auckland, New Zealand.
Navneet Kaur and Deepika were the standout performers, scoring two goals each. Neha and Rutuja Pisal also added a goal each to complete a comprehensive victory for India.
India made a strong start to the match, taking an early lead through Navneet Kaur in the sixth minute from a penalty corner. She added her second goal shortly after to put India firmly in control.
Deepika then extended the lead with two quick goals in the first half, helping India go into the break with a commanding advantage.
In the second half, India continued to dominate possession and created multiple scoring opportunities. Neha converted a penalty corner in the third quarter, followed by a field goal from Rutuja Pisal to seal the result.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia also played an important role, making key saves when Chile attempted to respond in the final quarter.
With this win, India have now reached the final of the tournament, where they will face either New Zealand or the United States.
A victory in the final will secure India’s promotion back to the FIH Women’s Pro League for the 2026–27 season, which also serves as part of the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
